Firstly, a Yoga student, who has such a serious ailment, should
get their doctor's permission before starting to practice Yoga
with a teacher. If possible, get a doctor's referral to a
particular Yoga teacher, who is more knowledgeable in this area.
Many doctors often network with local Yoga teachers, studios,
and ashrams, for the benefit of their patients.
Chair Yoga classes may be advisable in some instances. Yoga
postures practiced during chair Yoga classes will not put
pressure on the neck. It is also wise to find a teacher who has
been thoroughly trained in the use of props, modifications, and
completely understands your ailment.
Find a Yoga teacher who is understanding, gentle, and
knowledgeable. At that point, set up an interview with your
prospective Yoga teacher, and explain your ailment in detail.
The methods, personalities, knowledge, and patience, of
instructors who are teaching Yoga, will vary.
Some of the poses that I would not recommend would be: Sirsasana
(Headstand); Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand); Halasana (Plow
Posture); or any other posture that could cause severe
compression on the cervical vertebrae (neck). Also, your doctor
should be made aware of any "risky" movements and positions
performed in a Yoga class, such as, chin locks, neck rolls, and
fingers clasped behind the neck.
You will find it is important not to do any exercises or
postures that hurt, even a little bit. Pain is your body's way
of telling you, "not to do that" and "stop now." The Yoga
exercises, that will help you the most, are those where you will
feel a smooth and gentle stretch. If you don't feel a gentle
stretch, I suspect those Yoga poses are not doing you much good.
If any Yoga exercises hurt at all, stop doing them immediately.
I have yet to see a student, patient, or client, benefit from
doing any Yoga pose that caused pain. To continue further on
this point: Any treatment, of any kind, (Chiropractic, massage,
physical therapy, or Yoga), should be with the goal of less
pain. Why do it, at all, if you are going to be in more pain?
Learning Yoga for a serious condition, such as a neck ailment,
should be practiced under maximum supervision of a competent
Yoga teacher. I would suggest at least one private lesson before
trying a group Yoga class. A Yoga teacher may suggest, at least,
a few private Yoga sessions, so that the student understands all
the safety guidelines.
As educational as Yoga videos are, they are no substitution for
the guidance of a competent Yoga instructor.
Paul Jerard is the director of Yoga teacher training at Aura in
RI. He's a master instructor of martial arts and Yoga. He
teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness. He wrote: Is Running a
Yoga Business Right for You? For Yoga students wanting to be a
Yoga teacher. http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org
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