Joint health is essential for maintaining mobility and independence throughout our lives. Healthy joints allow us to move through our lives without discomfort or limitation and support our posture and alignment, reducing the risk of musculoskeletal imbalances, injuries, and chronic conditions like osteoarthritis.
How can Yoga help?
Regular practice of a simple joint releasing sequence can offer you the following wonderful benefits:
Increased Range of Motion
Gentle and controlled movements that focus on mobilising the joints in various directions can help reduce stiffness, increase flexibility, and enhance overall joint function.
Lubrication and Nutrition of Joints
The movements promote the circulation of synovial fluid within the joints. Synovial fluid acts as a lubricant and provides essential nutrients to the joint structures. Increased circulation helps nourish the joints, maintain their health, and support smooth movement.
Joint Stability and Strength
The joint releasing series includes exercises that target the muscles around the joints. Strengthening these muscles provides better support and stability to the joints, reducing the risk of injuries and promoting proper alignment during movement.
Prevention of Joint Degeneration
Regular practice of joint releasing yoga can help prevent or delay joint degeneration and conditions such as osteoarthritis. By keeping the joints mobile, well-nourished, and properly aligned, the series contributes to maintaining the health and integrity of the joint structures.
Mind-Body Connection
Mikunda Stiles' approach to joint releasing yoga emphasizes the mind-body connection. By cultivating mindfulness and awareness during the practice, individuals can tune into their bodies, listen to their joint sensations, and make adjustments accordingly. This increased body awareness can promote safe and effective movement patterns, reducing the risk of joint strain or injury.
Experience these benefits first hand with Vara
When: Wednesdays 6:45 - 7:45pm
Where: Online | Learn More
Teacher : Naomi Watson
Reading
Garfinkel, M., & Schumacher, H. R. Jr. (2012). Effect of integrated yoga therapy on pain, morning stiffness and anxiety in osteoarthritis of the knee joint: A randomized control study. International Journal of Yoga, 5(1), 28–36. doi: 10.4103/0973-6131.91708
Stiles, M. (n.d.). Structural Yoga Therapy: Adapting to the Individual. YOGA.
Woodyard, C. (2011). Exploring the therapeutic effects of yoga and its ability to increase quality of life. International Journal of Yoga, 4(2), 49–54. doi: 10.4103/0973-6131.85485
