Leg Aches But Yoga Works!
Leg aches are part of life’s daily hassles for some people. Each morning it is hard to even stand up on your legs out of bed or just walk to the bathroom. These cramps and aches may be due to an injury or health but in each case there should be some things that will help with the recovery or general usability of the leg. I am not a doctor and I do not practice medicine but these normal activities should help most people with leg aches. I have been an avid snowboarding instructor for over 13 years and many students complain about aches. These items have helped others and of course I would suggest having a licensed professional look at your condition before attempting any of these techniques.
Lower Leg and Ankle Aches
There is a muscle on the lower part of your leg just under your knee to your foot on the front side of your body. This muscle is used in many activities but it should be strong and flexible with endurance to lessen the pain from shin splints and general aching.
Kneeling Meditation for Lower Leg Aches
It is suggested to sit on your feet with a pillow above your ankles and under your legs in a long meditative position looking softly forward. This will really help stretch out your lower leg muscles and will provide a calm feeling after a few sessions. Some people also use a piece of wood to help keep your legs suspended above your ankles so as not to put too much pressure on them.
It is also possible to kneel on your lower legs and reach forward with your hands facing down. This will take some of the pressure off of your ankles and allow you to relax. This position is also called the child’s pose in many Yoga classes. One variation is to put your hands at your sides facing up.
Rolling Your Toes For Strength
If you are looking to strengthen the top side of your lower leg then be sure to roll your toes back on many of the stretches you are working on. This could include almost any seated stretch where your feet point up. Spread your toes so that they are far apart and there is space between each toe as they roll back towards your chest. You can see the muscles from your toe, upper foot, and lower leg flex through the stretch and will make the time used more efficiently to relieve leg aches.
Wall Sits for Leg Aches
A great way to improve flow in your legs and relieve tension in many parts of your body is to sit at a wall with your feet in the air and your head on the ground. Do this with your legs against the wall and you may want to put a blanket under your lower back if it is not strong enough to be in this position for at least 10 minutes. Try flexing the front of your upper leg but do not lock your knees. Keep them relaxed and straight. Breathe normally and relax all of the muscles in your face and body. Experiment with your lower back to make it log and stretch out the muscles in the upper part of your back leg. Stay in this position for 10 minutes at a time and use the wall sits a few times a day for ongoing leg aches.
Side Stretching
One of the great stretches you can do on your side for a leg ache can also be very relaxing. First lay on your left side and stretch out length wise. Then take your right hand and grab your right ankle. Bring your ankle closer to your back to make the stretch intensify. Keep your body relaxed and breath normally.
Yoga Works For Leg Aches
Yoga does work for leg aches. At least it has worked for me and many others that I have spoken with. The instructor really makes the difference in Yoga so be sure to try out a few. I also suggest going on a Yoga Retreat with a good instructor so that they can show you the best movements to cure your leg aches. I enjoy many Yoga teachers but I really benefited from Kia Miller’s class in Santa Monica and I know she has many retreats in Ojai including a Spring Equinox.
