3 Reasons to Use Gentle Yoga to Soothe Pain


As I get older, I find that my body doesn’t quite cooperate like it used to. Lower back pain hits me after a long day of hiking, and sitting at a computer each day puts significant strain on my neck and back. A life with pain is not one that anyone should have to live, and so I have spent a lot of time finding ways to soothe my body.

Gentle yoga has been nothing short of a miracle for me. I find the slow, sustained movements to be extremely effective at soothing my body. But, don’t be misled. Just because it’s called gentle yoga doesn’t mean it’s always easy! Gentle refers to the types of movements it emphasizes, not it’s difficulty level. If you’re looking for yoga to ease your pain, I highly recommend gentle yoga (But, remember, if your pain is intense, consult a doctor!). Here are a few reasons why I think you should try it.

Gentle yoga is appropriate for everyone

Although gentle yoga isn’t always easy, it is most certainly accessible. Gentle yoga is appropriate for yogis of all skill levels and ages. You don’t need to be able to put your legs behind your head to reap all of gentle yoga’s benefits!

Gentle yoga will improve your sleep

Gentle yoga practitioners report improved sleep quality. If you suffer from pain, chances are you haven’t been getting the best sleep of your life. And considering how important sleep is for overall health, this is an amazing added benefit. If the idea of better sleep has piqued your interest, here are a few of my favorite gentle yoga poses for sleep.

Gentle yoga reduces stress

Stress releases the hormone cortisol, which has been implicated in chronic pain. Lucky for you, gentle yoga reduces cortisol levels, thereby reducing stress and pain. Not bad, right?

If you’re interested in trying out gentle yoga, here are a few of my favorite Grokker gentle yoga videos. I hope you enjoy them!

Gentle Yoga Videos

Gentle Yoga with Meditation

Deep Stretching Therapeutics: Healthy Hips

Gentle Moving Energy Flow