Learn From Our Top Expert If You Should Ice Or Heat A Neck Injury—Plus How The Issue May Be More Than Skin Deep
By: Heather Hooke
For Today’s trubeautyMOVEMENT and GAIAM “Weekly Posture” Yoga Tutorial (LIVE every Tues on both @trubeautyMOVEMENT + @gaiam Instagram and Facebook pages)—I am going to show you 3 postures to alleviate neck pain. Not only is this topic highly requested, I recently hurt my neck and have been doing these poses to help. Just remember LESS movement is more; when it comes to any kind of injury, you don’t want to overdo, so listen to your body and your limits. *Always consult a doctor or specialist before doing this or any of my yoga postures, especially for injuries.
See the breakdown below, plus watch the video tutorial to experience the full benefits of this yoga pose physically, mentally, socially, spiritually & emotionally both on and off the mat:
Posture Of The Week
1. Standing Forward Bend Posture (variation: focus on neck/shoulder strength)
2. Downward Facing Dog Posture (variation: focus on neck/shoulder strength)
3. Cat Posture (variation: Cat to Table pose recommended for moderate to severe neck pain vs. traditional Cat to Cow pose).
Sanskrit
1. Uttanasana (“OOT-tan-AHS-ahna”)
2. Adho Mukha Svanasana (“AH-doh MOO-kah shvah-NAHS-anna”)
3. Marjaryasana (“Mar-jar-y-AHS-ahna”)
Ask The Expert
According to Dr. Michele L. Shutt, certified Chiropractor and owner of Shutt Chiropractic Center in Florida, if a client experienced a trauma to the neck (such as a car accident) then she recommends ONLY putting ice on the hurt area for the first 48 hours (alternating 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off) to reduce swelling. After the 48 hour time-frame, the individual can begin to incorporate heat to relax and loosen the muscles during the healing process (alternating cold for 20 minutes, nothing for 20 minutes, and hot for 20 minutes). *Shutt noted, if there was no specific trauma and the neck pain comes from a strain or awkward position that occurred the individual should be okay incorporating the hot compression alone with the cold right away.
#YogaTherapy Benefits On + Off The Mat
These 3 postures will assist with relaxing muscle tension in the neck, also known as the Throat chakra. To look a little deeper, beyond just the physical neck pain, ask yourself how are you NOT feeling seen/heard in the way you express yourself either personally or professionally? The neck is a very symbolic area of our body, connecting our lower physical body (lower chakras) to our upper body (chakras related to the highest version of ourself). So, while you hurt your neck physically, make sure energetically you are also checking in to see what changes you can make in your life to feel you are living the fullest expression of yourself. The body is a miraculous thing and science is showing us more and more that EVERYTHING is interconnected physically, mentally, spiritually & emotionally. To heal faster, take the time to explore this. Your body is a map and is clearly calling out in this area of your life. Make sure you listen and adjust as needed both on the mat—and off the mat in life.
Enhance Results With—Essential Oils
Peppermint Essential Oil is extremely healing with the “instant gratification” of being able to feel the results of the essential oil right away, right where you apply it. This powerful oil is also excellent for neck pain, because it balances the Throat Chakra, allowing one to express themself more fully—when using the oil on a DAILY basis (not sporadically). Another great essential oil that is specifically made for neck, back and joint pain (or injury) is an oil called “Soothing Blend” that has other top healing essential oils, including Peppermint to assist with these same healing benefits on a deeper level. *Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade (CPTG) essential oils are recommended in your yoga practice (plus natural wellness, beauty and home rituals) to ensure verified third party testing, no synthetic fillers or dilution, indigenous plants for highest possible plant quality and conditions, and other strict guidelines—in order to experience the full benefits of the essential oil recommended!
Positive Affirmation
“I Speak My Truth. I Live My Truth. Truth Be With Me.”
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