From Pain to Peace

From Pain to Peace: The Transformative Power of Yoga Therapy for Low Back Relief

If you’ve ever experienced low back pain, you know how debilitating it can be. You may struggle with everyday tasks and movements like getting up and down, putting away groceries, or even practicing some of your favorite yoga poses. But did you know that low back pain is the leading cause of disability globally? According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 619 million people live with low back pain! The good news is, just because you experience low back pain doesn’t mean you have to live with it. 

Yoga Therapy is an effective adjunct treatment for chronic low back pain. The holistic approach improves muscular strength, joint flexibility, stress management, pain acceptance, and emotional wellbeing. Yoga postures, breath control, meditation, and relaxation support the whole person –  mind, body and spirit.

Ana Pilar Cruz is a seasoned Yoga Therapist (C-IAYT) specializing in Yoga Therapy for Structural Integration, Neuromuscular Repatterining, and Anxiety and Stress Management. She’s helped many of her clients find relief, avoid complications, and heal. Now, she’s packaged her 23 years of knowledge and experience into a new online course so everyone can access low back relief.

What inspired you to create your new course, low back relief?

I was inspired to create Low Back Relief to address the common issues of chronic low back pain due to our modern sedentary lifestyle. So many of us spend our days in a chair,  in front of  a computer screen, and our low back pays the price!  

Why is Yoga Therapy effective in addressing back pain?

Yoga can effectively address back pain through gentle movements that help to release tension in the muscles of the low back, legs and hips, improve flexibility and increase mobility in the spine and surrounding tissues.  Through breath awareness, breathing techniques, mindfulness and body scanning, individuals learn to identify and release areas of muscular tension and stress that may be contributing to their low back pain. 

How does your therapeutic approach differ from physical therapy?

While physical therapy primarily focuses on physical exercises and manual techniques to address musculoskeletal issues, my therapeutic approach (through the lens of viniyoga) emphasizes personalized care, integration of mind-body practices, breath-centered movement, adaptability, and a focus on long-term wellness.

What is one thing you wish more people knew about their backs?

That your back is trying to communicate that it needs help and attention, and not trying to piss you off or be a nuisance! 

What can students expect from your course?

Students can expect a progressive series of four classes that will teach you different adaptations of postures specifically chosen to alleviate low back pain and build strength in the surrounding structures.

How can students join?

Students can join by going to the My Vinyasa Practice website and finding the course on the Events tab here.