I just saw the Advil commercial on TV. The commercial was about a mother with pain…pain in knees from working out, tension headaches from work, back pains from lifting her son, and so forth. Advil was claiming that it could work for all types of pain so that you don’t have to take a different pain killer for the different types of pain.

Pain is a sign. It is a sign that there is an imbalance in the physiology. It is a sign of weakness in that area. When you feel pain, your first thought should not be where is the painkiller, but rather, how can I fix this? My yoga teacher in fact says, “pain is a blessing.” How is it a blessing? According to Ayurveda, before you are actually facing the disease or illness, you are first face to face with the preliminary symptoms. When preliminary symptoms come about, it is the first sign of an imbalance. Therefore, pain is a warning and as always, warnings should not be taken lightly.

What does Yoga do for pain? Yoga works not just on the physical level, but it works on a deeper, cellular level. All yoga postures provide a health benefit. For example, the cobra position will improve circulation and improve digestion. The downward dog will balance Vata, while stimulating Kapha. And the warrior pose helps to open up the chest and lungs. There is a yoga pose or a series of asanas (postures) that will aid in the recovery from any kind of pain. From basic to complex poses, every point in your physiology can be addressed through yoga.

Suryanamaskar, also known as sun salutations, are great for Vata and Kapha type of people. Vata people should do them slowly and steadily, where as Kapha people should do their round of sun salutations with a quicker, more active pace and do more rounds. Pitta people are recommended to do moon salutations more than sun salutations. The reason being is that Chandra Namaskar (moon salutations) are more calming and cooling for a Pitta physiology.

Many types of pain, such as arthritis, back pain, joint pain, and even headaches, can be addressed through the practice of Hatha Yoga. If you do have any physical pain, my recommendation is to practice Hatha yoga, rather than taking a painkiller. But remember, when you are using yoga as a form of healing, it is important to work with a certified yoga teacher. It can be dangerous to do yoga on your own through the Internet or a video. I have helped many people with their headaches, back pain, shoulder pain, and so much more through Hatha yoga. If you suffer from pain, give yoga a try; you have nothing to lose, except lose the pain itself.

Health and happiness,

Varsha