The Yogi Cure All Pose

There is a yoga posture that has often been called the "yogi cure all" and can be used for just about any ailment. The best part is that it is simple and easy to do. For anyone who held the excuse that they aren't flexible and could never do any yoga this posture is a great place to start.





Vaprita Karani or Legs Up the Wall Pose is pretty self explanatory. (see picture to the left)



Here are a couple of tips:

* Sitting next to the wall, bring your hips as close to the wall as you can.

* Protect your back by laying on your side and then gently swing your legs up against the wall. It it not imperative that your legs be at a 90 angle against the wall, only that your legs are straight. If the back of your legs feel tight, scoot your hips away from the wall until you find a place of comfort and ease in your body.

* You might also place a pillow under your hips or lengthwise along your spine for more comfort and higher elevation.

* Your arms can rest at your sides, out into a "t" or up over your head.

* This pose can also be done using a chair or ball to rest your legs on for more comfort. 

The ancient yogis believed that "legs up the wall" pose was a cure-all. They believed that once the feet were up over the head in a resting posture a secret serum was released from the heels and would gently trickle down to wherever the ailment was and could especially assist with headaches, low back pain, varicose veins, anti-aging and metabolism. These ancient yogis were such fans of "legs up the wall" they felt it had just as much benefit on the body if held for 10 minutes a day as a full yoga class does.

This pose is doing many things physiologically.
>> helping to traction the spine, alleviating pressure through the low back

>> reversing the direction of circulation giving the veins of the legs a break from gravity which also helps slow the aging process and nourish circulation.

>> bringing fresh circulation to the head

>> assisting the blood pressure to decrease

To release from this pose gently walk your feet down the wall and bring your knees into your chest. You might enjoy rocking from side to side. To protect your back roll on to your side (you might prefer to rest on your side for a moment) and slowly push yourself back to a seated posture.

While holding this posture close your eyes and practice some deep breathing. Imagine a balloon in your abdomen. With your inhale imagine filling this balloon up with any stress or tension and with your exhale imagine your balloon slowly deflating letting your stress or tension out. Focus on slow, long exhales to promote further relaxation in your body. You might be aware of a tingling sensation in your legs or even feel your back naturally start to loosen.

For more information on restorative yoga visit Yoga Journal. 

Delta Chiropractic offers free yoga classes Mondays and Tuesdays at 6:30pm-7:30pm, Thursdays at 7:00a-8:00a and Saturdays at 7:30a-8:30a. Space is limited and registration is required. Give them a call today! 847.854.5356

Yoga Chicago is also a wonderful resource for yoga classes in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. Look for the free publication Yoga Chicago around town as well.


Namaste!

Sarah Zender LAc

What is Raindrop Technique?

Raindrop Technique was developed by Gary Young in the late 1980s. It is a treatment that combines light massage techniques, therapeutic grade essential oils, heat application and stretching with the intention of affecting the body on a cellular level.

This technique is based on growing research that spinal deformities, inflammation, and back pain are linked with bacteria and virus lodged around the spine.

"Studies at Western General Hospital in Edinburgh, Scotland, linked virus-like particles to idiopathic scoliosis. Researchers atUniversity of Bonn have also found the varicella zoster virus can lodge in the spinal ganglia throughout life. Research in 2001 further corroborated the existence of infectious microorganisms as a cause of spine pain and inflammation. Alistair Stirling and his colleagues at the Royal Orthopedic Hospital in Birmingham, England, found that 53% of patients with severe sciatica tested positive for chronic, low grade infection by gram-negative bacteria which triggered inflammation near the spine. Stirlingsuggested that the reason these bacteria had not been identifiedearlier was because of the extended time required to incubate disc material. (7days). " Essential Oils Desk Reference 2004 Essential Science Publishing 3rd Edition

Essential oils are some of the most powerful inhibitors of microbes known because they come from a natural source. The essential oil is basically what the plant uses to defend itself against bacteria, virus, and other attackers. This is why most essential oils are antibacterial and antiviral. When using therapeutic grade essential oils like Young Living it is important to note that the oils can be taken internally, applied topically without dilution, or inhaled. Raindrop uses the French essential oil neat application (without dilution).

Essential Oils used and benefit:

>> Basil: powerful antispasmodic, antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, muscle relaxant

>> Thyme: anti-aging, highly antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, antiparastic

>> Oregano: anti-aging, powerful antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory, immune stimulant

>> Cypress: improves circulation and strengthens blood capillaries, anti-infectious, antispasmodic

>> Marjoram: antibacterial, antifungal, vasodilator, lowers blood pressure, promotes intestinal peristalsis, expectorant, mucolytic

>> Peppermint: anti-inflammatory, antitumoral, antiparasitic (worms), antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, gallbladder/digestive stimulant, pain relieving, curbs appetite

>> Wintergreen: anticoagulant, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, vasodilator, analgesic/anesthetic, reduces blood pressure

>> Aromaseiz: An advanced complex of anti-inflammatory, muscle relaxing essential oils that promote circulation and treat spasmed, tight, inflamed, aching muscles. (Contains basil, cypress, marjoram, lavender, peppermint)

>> Valor: balances energies to instill courage, confidence, and self-esteem. It helps the body to self-correct its balance and alignment (contains rosewood, blue tansy, frankincense, spruce)

The above essentials oils are dropped along the spine like raindrops 6-8 inches above the body in a specific order and then lightly massaged into the muscles along the spine. Vitaflex (similar to the concept of reflexology) can also be preformed to massage the essential oils into the reflex point of the spine on both feet. A warm, moist compress is applied to the back to allow the benefits to magnify. Light stretching is also utilized during the session to increase mobility and allow the oils to penetrate deeper.

It is said the oils continue to work in the body for up to seven days after a treatment. As you can see from the benefits of the oils used this is a great preventative treatment not only for pain but to keep the immune system strong against bacteria and virus during the cold and flu seasons.

Sarah Zender LAc

Neighborhood Acupuncture Place (NAP)

230 Florence St

Crystal Lake IL 60014

815.893.9825

www.clnap.com