Connect with us

Health

Pain in the Back

Back pain and particularly lower back pain seems to have grown in epidemic proportions in Kerala. If left unchecked it could lead to debilitating conditions like herniated discs etc.

Published

on

BacK PainBack pain and particularly lower back pain seems to have grown in epidemic proportions in Kerala. If left unchecked it could lead to debilitating conditions like herniated discs etc. Lifestyle changes that have made us chair dwelling and sedentary is the key culprit. To heal you need to look at the root causes. It could be a combination of the following – some parts of the body are

  • Overused  (upper back and shoulders)
  • Underused (back muscles)
  • Not used (core muscles)
  • Abused (lumbar and lower vertebrae of your spine)
  • Tight (hamstrings)
  • Lose (oblique)

Back pain can also be related to grief and loss of stability in life. While its best to get a therapist or physician to look it over, few do it yourself remedies could also help release the pain. Here is a routine you could follow or send in a mail with specific queries.

Stretch the spine such that it counteracts the continuous seated posture that we adopt. Yoga poses such as Tadasana (Mountain Pose) with arms extending to the ceiling should be done each time you are getting out of your chair or getting into one.

Tadasana

Tadasana

Lying on your back with hugging your  knees to chest in Pavanmuktasan also helps release some of the tension in the lower back. It also helps to relax the hip flexors in front.

Pavanmuktasan

Pavanmuktasan

 

Uttanpadasana

Uttanpadasana

Lower back pain is often associated with a tight hamstring. Make sure your day does not end till you stretch out the hamstrings. Various leg raising poses  (Uttanpadasana) that do not need the person to bend forward help release the hamstring without aggravating the lower back pain. Use a towel or strap around the leg and hold it so  that you get the stretch without having to strain.

One of the best poses to combat and prevent back pain is the Cobra Pose or Bhujangasana.  Based on your back condition you may have to do the apt variation.

Wind up the routine with Childs pose with knees places wide apart.

How to do the Cobra Pose

Cobra Pose

Cobra Pose or Bhujangasana

Lie on the abdomen, feet together. Hands beside the body.

Bend your hands at the elbow, place the palms on the mat such that the finger tips are in the line of the collar bone, elbows close to the body touching the rib cage.

Take a couple of nice long breaths.

Extend your spine so that you are reaching forward with the crown

Pull your shoulders away from your ears and try to squeeze the muscles in your shoulder blades together.

Now slowly lift your head up, and lift the palms off the mat.

This is the petit cobra. Stay in the pose and  practice long breathing.

If this feels comfortable and can be held for 15 seconds then you can proceed to cobra pose.

As you exhale come down on to the mat  – vertebrae by vertebrae.

Place the palms on the floor and slowly try to lift your body such that you do not rely on your hand strength but  only on your back and core strength.  Press down with your pelvis but lift from the upper abdomen. Ensure that your collar bone is parallel to the ground and that your shoulders are not tensing up. Build up for 30 seconds and do 3 sets daily.

Benefits of the Cobra Pose

Strengthens the spine and lower back muscles
Firms the buttocks, stretches chest and shoulders
Stimulates the organs in the abdomen – both digestive and reproductive
Relieves stress and fatigue and is very invigorating
Therapeutic applications for Asthma and Sciatica

Contraindications : Carpel tunnel, headache, pregnancy, back injury.

Nuthan Manohar

The author Nuthan Manohar is a wellness consultant and researcher based in Cochin.

Email: [email protected]

Advertisement
Comments

Cover Story

Incorporating Vitamin E into Your Diet: Delicious Fruit Options

Published

on

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy cells, boosting immunity, and protecting against oxidative stress. While it’s commonly found in nuts, seeds, and oils, did you know that several delicious fruits are also excellent sources of this essential nutrient? Let’s explore some mouthwatering fruit options that can help you meet your daily vitamin E needs while tantalizing your taste buds.

Avocado:

Often hailed as a superfood, avocados are not only creamy and delicious but also packed with nutrients, including vitamin E. Adding slices of ripe avocado to salads, sandwiches, or simply enjoying it on its own can provide a significant portion of your daily vitamin E intake.

Kiwi:

Bursting with flavor and vibrant green hues, kiwis are not only rich in vitamin C but also contain a good amount of vitamin E. Enjoy them sliced over yogurt, blended into smoothies, or incorporated into fruit salads for a refreshing and nutritious treat.

Mango:

Sweet, juicy, and tropical, mangoes are a delightful source of vitamin E. Whether enjoyed fresh, diced into salsas, or blended into creamy mango smoothies, these golden fruits offer a delicious way to boost your antioxidant intake.

Papaya: With its luscious orange flesh and sweet flavor, papaya is another fruit that’s brimming with vitamin E. Indulge in slices of fresh papaya as a standalone snack, blend it into tropical fruit juices, or add it to fruit platters for a dose of sunshine in every bite.

Blackberries: These small but mighty berries are not only bursting with flavor but also packed with vitamins and antioxidants, including vitamin E. Incorporate blackberries into your breakfast oatmeal, sprinkle them over yogurt, or enjoy them by the handful for a tasty and nutritious snack.

Apricots: Whether fresh or dried, apricots are a fantastic source of vitamin E. Snack on dried apricots for a convenient and portable boost of nutrients, or enjoy fresh apricot slices as a refreshing addition to salads and desserts.

Kiwano (Horned Melon):This exotic fruit may look unusual with its spiky orange exterior, but its vibrant green flesh is not only visually striking but also rich in vitamin E. Kiwano can be enjoyed on its own or added to fruit salads for a unique and flavorful twist.

Incorporating vitamin E-rich fruits into your diet is not only delicious but also beneficial for your overall health and well-being. Whether you prefer the creamy texture of avocados, the tropical sweetness of mangoes, or the tangy bite of kiwis, there are plenty of delightful options to choose from. So why not add a splash of color and flavor to your meals and snacks with these nutrient-packed fruits?

Remember to enjoy a varied and balanced diet to ensure you’re getting all the essential nutrients your body needs for optimal health. With these tasty fruit options, boosting your vitamin E intake has never been more enjoyable!

 

Continue Reading

Beauty

Rihanna’s Jaw-Dropping Maternity Shoot: Unveiling Goddess-Like Beauty and Baby Bump Glamour!

Published

on

Rihanna, the iconic pop star, recently celebrated the beauty of her pregnant form by sharing a throwback maternity shoot on social media. Pregnancy is a transformative journey filled with mental, physical, emotional, and hormonal changes, and Rihanna wanted to showcase the goddess-like essence that comes with it. The captivating photo series, titled “Rub on ya titties,” features Rihanna in beach waves, adorned with body chains, and with her unborn child, affectionately referred to as Baby RZA, in her womb.

In a heartfelt caption accompanying the photos, Rihanna reflected on her first experience with pregnancy and impending motherhood as she prepares to welcome her second child with A$AP Rocky. She honored the magic of her body and the journey of embracing motherhood like a true warrior. She humorously acknowledged that Baby RZA has no idea about the vibrant personality of his mama or how deeply he would captivate her.

Beyond the sentimental message, Rihanna’s maternity shoot offered inspiration for achieving vacation-ready beauty. The photos showcased dewy, sun-kissed skin, accentuated by golden accessories. Long, boldly colored nails added instant glamour, even without a full ensemble. The effortlessly tousled texture, reminiscent of just-emerged-from-water locks, served as the go-to style for achieving a mermaid-inspired look. And to add a touch of Rihanna’s signature bad gal vibe, a swipe of peach lip gloss provided a warm, luxurious, and seemingly effortless finish—a perfect reflection of Rihanna’s approach to parenthood and life as a whole.

Rihanna’s throwback maternity shoot not only celebrated her own journey but also emphasized the beauty and power that pregnancy brings. It served as a reminder that embracing the changes and nurturing the divine creation within is a truly awe-inspiring experience.

Continue Reading

Beauty

Why Priyanka Chopra’s Choice Can Energize and Strengthen Your Body

Published

on

Priyanka Chopra, the renowned actress and global icon, leads a wholesome life when she’s not busy with events and commitments. Alongside her DIY skincare hacks, she engages in various fitness activities such as swimming, cycling, yoga, bodyweight exercises, and weightlifting. Swimming, in particular, holds a special place in her heart, as she finds it not only energizing but also mood-boosting. In this article, we explore the reasons why swimming is an excellent exercise for holistic well-being and why you should consider incorporating it into your fitness routine.

Swimming is a comprehensive workout that engages different muscle groups, providing extensive training for the body. It enhances strength, stamina, and cardiovascular fitness. Beyond the physical benefits, swimming also stimulates positive mental well-being. Research suggests that swimming can ease anxiety and depressive symptoms, promote a sense of well-being, and elevate mood and energy levels. By diving into the water, you dive into a pool of mental stimulation and rejuvenation.

One of the remarkable aspects of swimming is its low-impact nature. The buoyancy of water reduces stress on joints and minimizes the risk of impact-related injuries, making it an ideal exercise for people of all ages and fitness levels. Additionally, swimming can aid in rehabilitation after injuries, as it reduces stress on bones, joints, and connective tissues. Individuals with arthritis, joint pain, or those recovering from injuries can benefit greatly from swimming as part of their rehabilitation program.

Swimming serves as an excellent aerobic activity, providing a workout for the heart and lungs. Regular swimming trains the body to utilize oxygen more effectively, resulting in a decrease in resting heart rate and breathing rate. The muscles in the arms, legs, and core are all utilized during swimming, enhancing their power, flexibility, and endurance. Moreover, swimming can help lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease, and improve overall heart health.

Swimming is an effective calorie-burning exercise. A leisurely swim can burn around 500 calories per hour, while a more intense session could burn up to 700 calories. Not only does swimming burn calories, but it also helps build lean muscle, which boosts metabolism. By increasing your lean muscle mass, you increase your body’s calorie-burning potential. Therefore, swimming can be an excellent aid in weight loss or weight maintenance, while also improving overall metabolic rate.

Swimming promotes flexibility and joint mobility due to the range of motion required during swimming movements. The water’s supportiveness allows for stretching and loosening of muscles, which can enhance overall flexibility. Whether you want to improve your range of motion during other exercises or simply feel more agile in daily life, swimming is a great way to increase flexibility and improve joint mobility. Regular swimming can also enhance muscle endurance, contributing to improved overall fitness.

Following Priyanka Chopra’s footsteps, incorporating swimming into your fitness routine can provide numerous benefits for both your body and mind. Swimming offers a well-rounded approach to fitness, enhancing strength, stamina, cardiovascular fitness, and flexibility. It is a low-impact exercise suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. Moreover, swimming aids in weight management, calorie burning, and metabolic boost. By diving into the pool, you not only get a full-body workout but also experience the positive mental effects of swimming. So, jump in and swim your way to energized and fit well-being.

Continue Reading

Facebook

Trending