Another Yoga Asanas that form an important part of yoga therapy in Gout are:
1) “Padahastasana” or Hands to feet Pose – This posture is known to increase the flexibility of spine, strengthen the tendons and ligaments of the legs, and also strengthen the muscles of thigh and calves, the trapezius, deltoid, abdominus and oblique muscles. It also increases the blood circulation to the brain
Procedure
- Stand erect, legs together, hands by the side of the thighs.
- Look in front
- Slowly bend forward, as much as possible.
- Try to place the palms, with fingers pointing forward, on the ground on either side of the legs.
- Place the forehead between the knees.
- After some time return to the original position.
Benefits
- This asana is beneficial in indigestion, stiffness of spine, pain in hip joints and breathing problem.
Precautions
Those suffering from high blood pressure, heart disease and acidity, should not practice it. As in all the asanas, care should be taken to practice and perfect the asana, in a slow and deliberate manner. Do not rush through any of the movements.
Talk to a Yoga Trainer, in case you have any clarifications.
In case, you are not able to perfect the asana, please remember to keep the practice going, perfection will always follow.
2) “Shalabhasana” or Locust pose – This asana is known to improve the strength of the back muscles as well increase the flexibility of the muscles involved.
Procedure
- The person is required to lie prone, with his soles looking upwards and his fingers clenched.
- Then he has to stretch his hands along his body so that his shoulders and the backs of his fists touch the ground.
- The person either rests his chin, mouth and nose; or his chin alone, the head being thrown a little backward.
- Then with a full stimulation the person has to stiffen his whole body; and try to raise his lower extremities backwards, putting his whole weight on the chest and hands. The wrists especially feel the burden of the lifted legs.
- Throughout the exercise the breath is held in and the knees and are kept stiff and straight. In this practice the sacrum shares the fate of the legs and is a little raised with them.
If the individual finds that he can no longer hold in his breath, he should slowly lower down his legs, relax his muscles, and gradually start to exhale. When respiration becomes normal, the person is ready to proceed with the next pose. The pose of Shalabhasana may be repeated three to seven times with advantage. Care should be taken not to strain the lungs by unduly prolonging the posture. Of all the yoga asanas, it is only Shalabhasana which requires a sudden movement of the lower extremities during its practice. But here too no violence should be done to the legs. The action though sudden should be done very smoothly.
Benefits
Shalabhasana is a fine exercise for the pelvis and the abdomen and benefits the human systems in many more ways.
Precautions
- The legs should not bend at knees.
- While coming back to the original position bring the legs on the ground very slowly
- People suffering from Back problems, TB in intestine, Ulcer in stomach, hernia should consult yoga expert before practicing this asana.
- Jerks and unbearable strains should be avoided.
These asanas for yoga therapy in Gout can work greatly for reducing Gout pain and inflammation.
