by Susan Stamper •
Business Analyst/Assistant, ChiroHealthUSA •
I’ve been doing yoga on and off for over two decades—it’s been quite a stretch (pun absolutely intended)! At this point, I think I’ve officially embraced my favorite pose: corpse pose. Let’s just say, now that I’m in my 40s, I really appreciate any activity where I can lie down and call it exercise.
But seriously, September is National Yoga Month, and it’s the perfect time to breathe, stretch, and find your zen. Yoga is all about balancing body and mind through movement, breathing, and meditation. Whether you’re a total newbie, a kid, a senior, or expecting a little yogi, there’s a style for everyone. And when you combine the magic of chiropractic care with yoga, you’re setting your spine up for success, optimizing your health, and keeping those pesky injuries at bay. Ready to roll out your mat? Let’s get flexible!
Let’s Stretch into Wellness: Celebrating National Yoga Month!
Since September is National Yoga Month, it’s the perfect time to roll out your mat and dive into the amazing benefits yoga can bring to your health. Here at ChiroHealthUSA, we’re all about that holistic approach to wellness, and yoga makes a fantastic sidekick to chiropractic care. So, let’s explore the five core principles of yoga, some go-to poses, and how this ancient practice can boost your health right alongside your chiropractic adjustments.
The Five Core Principles of Yoga
- Breath (Pranayama): Breathing—it’s kind of a big deal in yoga! By controlling your breath, you help energy flow through your body and keep your mind chill. Bonus: It can even improve your lung capacity and help you relax. Big exhale!
- Posture (Asana): Those yoga poses you know and love (or maybe haven’t met yet) do wonders for your flexibility, strength, and balance. Plus, you can adjust each pose to fit where you are in your practice.
- Meditation (Dhyana): Ready to clear your mind and find your zen? Meditation helps you tap into mindfulness, reduce stress, and feel more in tune with your inner self. It’s like a reset button for your brain.
- Ethics (Yamas and Niyamas): Think of these as the yoga “rules” for living. Yamas are how we treat others, while niyamas focus on self-discipline. Together, they guide us toward a balanced, happy life.
- Mindfulness: Yoga is all about being present. By practicing mindfulness, you strengthen the connection between your mind and body, becoming more aware of how you’re feeling inside and out.
Must-Try Yoga Poses
Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned yogi, these essential yoga poses are great for everyone:
– Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana): Stretch that spine! This pose strengthens your arms and legs while giving a nice stretch to your hamstrings and calves—oh, and it boosts blood flow to your brain!
– Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II): Channel your inner warrior! This powerful pose builds leg strength and balance while opening up your hips and chest. Plus, it’s great for focus.
– Child’s Pose (Balasana): Ahh, relaxation time! This calming pose helps relieve tension in your back and shoulders, making it the perfect cool-down after a session.
– Cat-Cow Stretch (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana): A yoga classic. This move works wonders for spinal flexibility and is great for warming up and easing back pain.
The Benefits of Yoga
The perks of yoga go far beyond the mat. The Mayo Clinic tells us that regular yoga practice can:
– Reduce stress and anxiety
– Boost flexibility and balance
– Strengthen muscles and stamina
– Help you sleep better (yes, please!)
– Sharpen your mental clarity and focus
Yoga pairs perfectly with chiropractic care, too—by improving flexibility and alignment, it helps make those adjustments even more effective.
Yoga + Chiropractic: The Dream Team
When you combine yoga with chiropractic care, you’re giving your body the ultimate one-two punch for wellness. Chiropractic adjustments focus on aligning your spine and enhancing nervous system function, while yoga increases flexibility, strength, and mindfulness. Together, they:
– Boost Recovery: Yoga promotes relaxation and helps release muscle tension after chiropractic adjustments.
– Improve Posture: Both practices emphasize alignment, leading to better posture and less strain on your body.
– Deepen the Mind-Body Connection: Yoga’s mindfulness complements the holistic approach of chiropractic care, helping you become more in tune with your body’s needs.
So, as we celebrate National Yoga Month, why not give yoga a try alongside your chiropractic care? Whether you’re a yoga pro or just getting started, there’s always room to grow on your wellness journey.
Let’s ride that wave of wellness together! 🧘♀️💪
Sources:
American Chiropractic Association. “Chiropractic Care.” American Chiropractic Association, 2023, www.acatoday.org/Patients/Health-Wellness-Information/Chiropractic-Care.
Harvard Health Publishing. “Yoga for Health.” Harvard Health, Harvard Medical School, 2023, www.health.harvard.edu/exercise-and-fitness/yoga-for-health.
Kaiser Permanente. “The Benefits of Yoga.” Kaiser Permanente, 2023, healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health-wellness/health-encyclopedia/he.yoga-benefits.aa154153.
Mayo Clinic. “Yoga: Do You Need to Be Flexible?” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2023, www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/yoga/art-20045520.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. “Yoga.” NCCIH, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2023, nccih.nih.gov/health/yoga.
Yoga Journal. “Yoga Poses.” Yoga Journal, Yoga Journal, 2023, www.yogajournal.com/poses.
▶︎ 
Why is the Discount Challenge prize amount $15,024? Because that is the average “per-occurrence” fine for Medicare inducements. That’s not $15,024 per patient, that’s not per provider, that’s PER VISIT. Stinks, doesn’t it? To us, the prize amount is worth the investment if we can help our profession better understand proper discounting.