|
|
 |
|
| Author |
 Topic  |
|
|
Shredder
USA
34 Posts |
 Posted - Jan 20 2009 : 1:51:13 PM
|
| I recently started my practices after 10 or 12 years absence. At that time I did tai chi because of difficulty in flexibility with the yoga postures. Now I'm back meditating, spinal breathing and would like to add some physical aspects to my routine. I have very limited flexibility (3 fused vertebrae with several more bulges) and am a little over weight. I purchased a yoga for beginners DVD and found my limits quickly again. I do get physical exercise at a local gym by lifting weights trying not to load up the spine and cardio 4-5 times per week. I feel my gym work is OK but does nothing for my flexibility problems or adds to prana. I'm wondering if maybe tai chi could fill that void or should I struggle on with the postures. Any advice from someone who has done both or with similar problems would be appreciated.......Shredder |
Edited by - AYPforum on Jan 27 2009 07:35:03 AM |
|
|
anthony574
USA
549 Posts |
Posted - Jan 20 2009 : 4:42:55 PM
|
If Tai Chi really works for you, go for it.
if you'd really like to do asanas they can be modified for your limitations always. people get hung up on what the poses "are supposed to look like". All those pictures are is what direction you are going in...even if you are only meeting 30 degrees of that 90degree bend, that sorta thing.
what discs are fused? |
 |
|
|
Shredder
USA
34 Posts |
Posted - Jan 20 2009 : 9:13:20 PM
|
quote:
Originally posted by anthony574
what discs are fused?
L4,5,6 with resulting nerve damage in both legs....shredder |
Edited by - Shredder on Jan 20 2009 9:25:13 PM |
|
|
|
divinefurball
USA
138 Posts |
Posted - Jan 20 2009 : 10:25:36 PM
|
Hi Shredder, if there are problems with assuming physical postures don't worry about them and don't stress your body with postures and weights. They are not neccessary for progress-enlightenment. Stick with cardio and meditation - all will be fine.
Wishing you the very best,
divinefurball |
|
|
|
anthony574
USA
549 Posts |
Posted - Jan 20 2009 : 11:07:23 PM
|
Sorry to hear that, Shredder. Is the nerve damage permanent?
I feel like you could still do a decent variety of asanas with that condition. Obviously you would want to avoid any sort of lumbar bends and stick within your limits. Have you tried searching for asanas specifically for injuries of that sort? |
|
|
|
Shredder
USA
34 Posts |
Posted - Jan 21 2009 : 08:37:04 AM
|
quote:
Originally posted by anthony574
Sorry to hear that, Shredder. Is the nerve damage permanent?
I feel like you could still do a decent variety of asanas with that condition. Obviously you would want to avoid any sort of lumbar bends and stick within your limits. Have you tried searching for asanas specifically for injuries of that sort?
Please don't be sorry, it's not needed. Like the great guru Popeye said I yam what I yam. Yes I've been told the damage is permanent and it's true I am disability retired, but I'm far from disabled, believe me.
I've done some searching but am hesitant to buy a dvd just to find out it's not really doable for me. While I know tai chi is not yoga it does work the chi or prana. I'm thinking it might just be another path up the mountain.....Shredder |
|
|
|
Shanti
USA
4854 Posts |
Posted - Jan 21 2009 : 08:49:31 AM
|
Hi Shredder,
Jim had suggested a name before.. maybe you can check up on her further, she may have something that may work for you.
http://www.aypsite.org/forum/topic...._ID=944#4748
quote:
Originally posted by Jim and His Karma
Bobbie Fultz is a yoga teacher expert in using asana to help scoliosis (she's a sufferer). She teaches in PA, but does clinics elsewhere, and can help point to other teachers elsewhere. bobbie99@epix.net
|
|
|
|
AYPforum
351 Posts |
Posted - Jan 27 2009 : 07:35:03 AM
|
| Moderator note: Topic moved for better placement |
|
|
|
yogibear
409 Posts |
Posted - Jan 27 2009 : 09:03:42 AM
|
Hi Shredder,
Here is a link you might find helpful:
http://www.scoliyogi.com/hyman.html
I googled "yoga therapy spinal fusion." You can research it more if you want.
Best, yb.
P.S. What ever you do remember the number one rule: stay within your comfortable capacity. |
|
|
|
shaktipath
Croatia
12 Posts |
Posted - Jun 05 2009 : 4:33:27 PM
|
Dearest Shredder,
It is definitely another path up the mountain. Tai chi chuan if practiced as Chi kung in motion cleanses the body, stops the mind and deepens your awareness helping you to see your eternal original face.It is all god as it is , as our circumstances had led us towards the path. Let you iner body leads your outer form, gently becoming more and more sensitive, no intellectualizing but being, being the soul that dances the dance of life.
If you are practicing any stances there are 3 rules, Relax, Relax and Relax.
May you soon become silent and peaceful divine flow !
s |
|
|
|
mimirom
Czech Republic
368 Posts |
Posted - Jun 05 2009 : 6:24:15 PM
|
Hi Shredder,
maybe I'm gonna state the obvious, but hearing you talking about yoga-dvds, I'm sure it would be much much better to find an experienced hatha teacher, believe me. Though dvds or on-line videos can be inspiring, one cannot learn to practice asana well without a real teacher. They often know the human anatomy very well, and offer sensitive guidance. Just make sure you find an experienced and well educated person. I mean if you wish to practice asana, of course. In a good hatha class you will also get guided relaxations a "surveys" through aspects of your energetic body, which can beautifully facilitate the merging of mind and body.
Ester Eckhart is one of those very sensitive and loving teachers, offering high quality guidance. This is very good quality you can get on-line. She is very kind, and I'm sure she will give you advice via e-mail, if you ask for it. But still, it cannot replace a real teacher. |
|
|
| |
Topic |
|
|
|
| AYP Public Forum |
© Contributing Authors (opinions and advice belong to the respective authors) |
|
|
|
|
tai chi or asanas?
