The changes that take place in our skeleton with ageing process, impact our ability to perform daily activities. Bones may turn brittle. Joints, which allow for smooth, pain-free movements, lose their ability to work with ease, leading to stiffness and pain when moving parts of the body. Yoga slows down the effect of ageing on the skeletal system.
With regular yoga practice, you strengthen and improve mobility of the skeletal joints, therefore decreasing inflammation and stiffness that the joints are prone to.
Though the following postures are simple to practice and can be easily done at home, we suggest you seek medical advice before starting them.
Trikonasana or Triangle pose is a wonderful standing yoga pose. It helps you stretch and strengthen the joints and bones of the whole skeleton. If practiced regularly this posture improves blood circulation which, in turn, helps in keeping the joints healthy.
Procedure:
1. Stand with feet leg length apart, toes pointing outward.
2. While inhaling, stretch the hands out at shoulder level with palms facing down.
3. Turn the left foot at an angle of 90 degree and right foot pointing forward.
4. While exhaling, gradually lean towards the left shifting your body weight on to the left side.
5. Hinging further from your hips to the left, slowly place your left palm behind the left foot.
6. Both the arms are in a vertically straight line with the shoulders. Avoid bending at elbows and knees.
7. Turn the head upward to gaze at the right hand fingertips.
8. Inhale and exhale deeply while in this final position.
9. Hold for 30-60 seconds on the left and repeat the same on the right.
Benefits:
• Stretches the hips, groins, hamstrings, and calves.
• It helps in opening up the chest and shoulders.
• It can help relieve back pain.
• This pose is also therapeutic for neck pain, sciatica, and other joint related issues.
Caution:
• This posture should not be practiced by those having severe back conditions.
• If you have neck issues or high blood pressure, gaze down in this posture.
