One of the most frequent complaints in the body is from joint pain in the hands or feet causing stiffness and swelling that restricts flexibility and mobility. This pain is often diagnosed by a physician as overuse, age, former injuries or genetics, resulting in Osteoarthritis (OA), the most common type. OA is a condition where the protective cartilage between joints begins to wear away and bones rub together. At the present state of medical science, humans cannot grow a new limb like a starfish grows another appendage when lost or damaged but as a human being, if we are identified with OA, there are ways to cope with associated pain and to protect the joints from further damage (www.tylenol.com).

Coping with pain begins with a positive mindset to not allow pain to restrict the body. Various Yoga poses that lengthen all parts of the body, can re-direct pain by increased blood flow and oxygen. Holding Yoga postures can ignite the fire of healing energy in the body. Each person, with the assistance of a doctor, can determine the origin of pain, where it is lodged, originates and identify the cause whether by injury, diet, lack of movement, habitual negative posture or an accident.

“Downward Facing Dog,” is a posture that puts pressure on the hands and arms as the body is lengthened on the floor, face down, stimulating greater blood circulation and stimulation in connective tissues holding joints.

Begin by standing tall and take a deep breath. When you exhale, visualize toxic chemicals releasing and expelling. Full exhales through the nose, relax and ease physical/emotional tension.

When you take another deep inhale, lengthen the arms upward towards the sky, hold the posture for several breaths, then exhale slowly through the nose. Next, do a slow forward bend and go down to the floor again, lying flat on the front of the body as you extend the legs long in back. Keep the toes uncurled/body straight on the ground and hold the pose as you keep breathing. When you begin to rise, curl the toes underneath and remain there for several minutes. Holding postures for several long breaths, gives the body time to strengthen. Then, relax!

Next, as you uncurl the toes and pull the body back with buttocks rising, extend the arms long in front with fingers spread wide apart on the floor. Put pressure on the full palms of the hands and hold the pose. This pose will look like a wide shaped “V” with the buttocks raised high. Rest a few minutes, then repeat the “Downward Dog” sequence starting from Tadassana. Be sure to hold the pose for several minutes before returning to a straight standing posture. If you practice in front of a mirror, you can assess the straightness of the spine from head to toe. Remember, it is important to keep the neck in a straight line with the spine. If any of these lengthening moves are uncomfortable, making adjustments and breathe through the episodes as you avoid overstraining the body. Think of any minor discomfort as a river passing through the body, softening tension and calming the mind. Visualize this softness and integrate it into everyday activity. Treat pain with gentleness and respect, so the mind can focus on healing. End the Yoga practice with a tranquil posture: “Legs Up the Wall.” Feel the reversal of energy and improved circulation in this relaxing pose. Just close the eyes and let go. Namaste!

Consider joining a Yoga class with those who share a healing point of view at the Sebring YMCA, Monday, Wednesday, Friday 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.