By Amy Zellmer, Editor-in-chief
Yoga is a powerful tool for recovery after brain injury. Contrary to some beliefs, everyone can do yoga — you don’t need to be super flexible, be able to balance, or even be able to stand up. The beauty of yoga is every pose can be modified to accommodate anyone.
An important aspect of yoga is your breath. Connecting your breath to your body and getting oxygen flowing to your brain makes yoga powerful for recovery. Yoga also quiets the mind and lets anxiety and distracting thoughts drift away.
Backbends are great for bringing your body back into balance. They are strong, energizing poses tapping into the circulatory system to increase blood flow throughout the entire body. They can excite the nervous system, leading to an increase in energy levels and an overall sense of vitality and wellbeing.
Backbends help strengthen your back, shoulders, chest, and hips. They help improve mobility, increase flexibility, and lengthen your spine, which in turn helps with good posture. They also help relieve tension, tightness, and pain.
Contraindications: individuals with osteoporosis, spinal stenosis, or other back concerns should avoid backbends.
Join me for monthly yoga classes via zoom for only $10 a month: www.patreon.com/amyzellmer
