Tag Archives: stretch

Stretch Away Your Pain

Healthy Me, , , , ,

In the search of pain relief, too often we try all sorts of pain relief, going from doctor to doctor. Very often, however, simple lifestyle changes can prove to more effective in helping to overcome pain and improve health.

Here are a few stretches that you can try when you need some pain relief.

FOR YOUR BACK

Sit on a mat or on a firm mattress with your legs extended straight out. Slowly lean forward and reach your fingers toward your toes. Use a fluid motion.

FOR YOUR SHOULDERS AND ARMS

Reach one of your hands over the head and as far down your back as you can. You can use the opposite hand to push the elbow toward your back. Repeat with the opposite hand.

FOR YOUR NECK

Sit in a comfortable position. Relax your shoulders. Slowly bend your neck forward until your chin touches your neck. Without moving your shoulders, rotate your head and slowly touch your right shoulder with your chin. Bring your neck back to normal, and repeat rotation toward your left shoulder.

FOR YOUR LEGS:

Lie flat on your back with your legs fully extended. Bend one knee and grasp the leg just above the knee with both hands and slowly bring the knee close to your chest. Repeat with the other leg, and then do both the knees together.

CALF MUSCLES

Stand facing a wall with your feet about four inches apart and 10 – 12 inches away from the wall. Keep your back straight, lean forward and press your shoulders against the wall until your feel a pull or stretching of the calf muscles. Hold for 30 seconds and repeat three times.

FINALLY FOR THE WHOLE BODY

Lie flat on your back with your legs extended. Raise your arms above your head ad reach as far as you can while pointing your toes and stretching your legs. Hold for a count of five and repeat three times.

START BY REPEATING EACH OF THE FOLLOWING TWICE, AND GRADUALLY WORK UP TO 10 REPETITIONS PER SESSION

Still feeling pain, why not enjoy the benefits of acupuncture and massage at the Nature’s Intentions Naturopathic Clinic combined.

By: Sushma Shah, Naturopathic Doctor, at the Nature’s Intentions Naturopathic Clinic.