Stretching Is an Important Pain Remedy

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Good Morning!

 

Stretching Is an Important Pain Remedy

 

Next to breathing and breath work, stretching is the most beneficial

exercises we can do for better health. Done in tandem, breath work

and stretching are the best support for easing aches, pain, tension,

headaches, tight muscles and unexplained pain elsewhere in the body.

 

Just as there are different types of flexibility, there are also

different types of stretching. Stretches are either dynamic (meaning

they involve motion) or static (meaning they involve no motion).

Dynamic stretches affect dynamic flexibility and static stretches

affect static flexibility (and dynamic flexibility to some degree).

When done properly, stretching can do more than just increase

flexibility. Benefits of stretching include:

 

*enhanced physical fitness

*enhanced ability to learn and perform skilled movements

*increased mental and physical relaxation

*enhanced development of body awareness

*reduced risk of injury to joints, muscles, and tendons

*reduced muscular soreness

*reduced muscular tension

*increased suppleness due to stimulation of the production of

chemicals which, lubricate connective tissues

*reduced severity of painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea) in females

 

 

Stretching your body's muscles will actually enhance the healing

process. Long, slow static stretching will help to increase blood

flow and circulation, eliminating stasis and help to warm and

invigorate the muscles and in turn lubricate the ligaments and

joints. One good over all stretch for your body is to lie on the

floor and gently bring your knees up to your chest. Once there, put a

little pressure on your knees with two hands. Gently raise your head

up toward the knees. Breath, in, out, in out.....slowly. Stretch,

then relax. Repeat.

 

One of the best over all stretches is the Sun Salutation. You can

find it here:

 

http://www.peacefulmind.com/yoga_therapy.htm

 

Also find other exercise information and stretching here:

 

http://www.peacefulmind.com/exercise.htm

 

 

Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac.

Peacefulmind.com

Therapies for healing

mind, body, spirit