YOGA + MOVEMENT
COMBATTING THE MYTH of Inevitable Pain with Age
BY ROISIN THOMPSON, L.AC. (SHE/HER)
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ften in my practice I encounter the phrase, “It’s because I’m getting older.” Creaky knees, back tweaks every time you shovel, an inability to get comfortable no matter how you sit: we hold these up as proof we cannot escape the ravages of time. The body does change as we age; a reality we can’t deny. But there are ways to prevent, mitigate, and even correct pain patterns appearing in the later phases of our lives.
Movement Strategies Newton was correct about more than just physics. A HUMAN body in motion will also stay in motion. If we want our bodies to continue to work well, we must use them on a daily basis.
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Gyrokinesis Gyrokinesis, a practice with many similarities to yoga, combines movement with breath to calm the nervous system. Accessible to various levels, ages, and abilities, it can be done with minimal equipment. Increasing body awareness in space, gyrokinesis maintains a strong focus on working through the spine, lengthening it through rhythmic movements.
Postural Corrective Exercises Postural Corrective Exercises are also useful tools as we age. We spend time sitting or standing without support, and our low back sags and aches. Our heads tilt forward from computer use or long commutes. Over time these
positions become our daily stances, which aggravates the pain issues accompanying them. Learning which muscles to strengthen and which to stretch, as well as simple movements supporting healthy posture patterns, can be of great benefit to a body in need of a little correction.
The Egoscue Method The Egoscue method is a good postural exercise option, or you can just ask your neighborhood sports medicine acupuncturist! The important part is to keep moving and accept that you may need to learn new ways of moving, adding strategies to your daily workouts to accommodate the way your body changes with age.
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