Are your shoulders, neck or wrists not supporting you in Yoga?
It is so common to have weakness in these joints and feel like the pain or restriction gets in the way of enjoying your Yoga. Maybe it's an injury, poor posture, overuse or simply too much sitting at the desk. Our posture is so important to consider since our pelvic-spinal-head alignment impacts positioning of shoulders and then how we use our wrists. In my experience it’s never just about the physical. We can feel vulnerable, weak and limited when our upper body is not supporting us. Having strength and alignment in the upper body is an incredible confidence boost, we feel empowered and supported emotionally and mentally.
I have had over ten years of complete relief, in the past I’ve rehabilitated RSI, broken hand, frozen shoulder and several whiplashes. I’ve taught my students how to practice Yoga without pain nor causing injury. I’ve helped to rehabilitate MANY shoulder injuries caused by poorly instructed and repetitive 'Chaturanga Dandasana' in their modern flow classes. My teachings are highly regarded and referred to by Physios, Chiros and GPs. They’re part of the Yogalates Method providing stability of the shoulder girdle. I share it all with you online so you can continue with and improve your practice whilst avoiding aggravation, safely building the strength you need so you're without discomfort nor restriction.
In my Breathe + Move with Nic online studio FREE TRIAL there’s a video Lessons in Supporting My Shoulders, Neck + Wrists (until 11th Aug it’s in FREE Sample ~ Practice Highlight) ~ learn all the tricks and alternatives to avoid unnecessary pain AND further injury PLUS understanding the connection with our shoulder girdle and the effectiveness of our core! Take these learnings into any general Yoga practice so you modify YOUR practice. You also gain unlimited access to the 350+ videos including Playlist of 30+ practices for shoulders neck and wrists….some of these practices do not load the upper body at all, instead using various Yogalates techniques to develop stability and alignment. Explore workshops on Finding Your Downward Facing Dog and ‘Chasing Chaturanga I’ and ‘Chasing Chaturanga II’ ~ all the tips to make these poses accessible, finding YOUR safe adaptation! Develop better postural habits and alignment in the Tadasana Workshop.
Every time I worked through a physical condition there’s always been an emotional component behind it. Having the courage to self-reflect and lean into this can create spontaneous healing, I am living proof. Whenever it’s been a shoulder or neck thing, there is something I have not been voicing and seemed to have momentarily misplaced my assertiveness. Are you interested in reading a little about the metaphysical behind these physical issues? If you are interested in exploring the Chakras and yourself a little deeper try my Chakras in Practice Workshops - visit my blog What are Chakras and how can I explore healing with them. For example with shoulders + neck (Throat Chakra - our communication and authenticity) and wrists (Heart Chakra - compassion, gratitude and fulfilment). Healing has only ever occurred for me when I am willing to look beyond the physical and assess choices I am making and then changing behaviours....and when I have it's never short of miraculous how the physical condition shifts, even really serious conditions. The physical practice of Yoga provides us with an opportunity to acknowledge where we are at on the emotional, mental and spiritual layers.
Yours in health, here's to feeling powerful and supported by your shoulders, neck and wrists!
Namaste, Nic Dorsch
