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This
video has been designed to help us become more aware of the muscles
of our back and to strengthen them. It may benefit those people
with severe back pain, who should obviously use it with caution
and under medical advice. Rodney Yee introduces the video by explaining
that Yoga can help with many different back problems "because,
like no other form of treatment, yoga simultaneously addresses the
physical, emotional and psychological aspects of our back pain".
The
video has four sections: Introduction, Exploration, Strength and
Flexiblity and Restoration. The Exploration section is conducted
mainly on our backs, using a folded or rolled blanket under different
parts of the spine. The section is aptly named because by moving
our legs and arms in different ways, we are able to explore the
sensations in our backs. Exporation continues from a seated position,
with a series of bends and twists. This is probably the only section
of the video that could be suitable for someone with an actively
painful back and they may want to modify some of the positions,
as appropriate.
Strength
and Flexiblity starts a third of the way through the video with
cat and downward dog, followed by a sequence of locust type postures.
These would probably be impossible with an actively painful back
but they no doubt improve muscle strength. A standing sequence follows,
with postures modified to protect the back. Triangle and side bend
start with the upper hand resting on the sacrum and tree and warrior
use a chair for support. The section ends with seated abdominal
work and cobblers pose. The Restoration section provides a relaxing
conclusion to the video, making extensive use of a bolster and a
couple of rigid chairs. Positions include lying on our front and
back and sitting on the floor and a chair, relaxing over the bolster.
The
entire video is filmed in a group of rocks on the Hawaian coast.
Rodney Yee's gentle voice guides us through the postures, frequently
reminding us to feel what we are experiencing. There is no instantaneous
cure for back ache but performing the yoga postures in this video
is probably a good prophylaxis.
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