REMEDIES: Stretching Is an Important Pain Remedy (HEALTH)

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Stretching Is an Important Pain Remedy

Next to breathing and breath work, stretching is the most beneficial

exercises we can do for better health. Done in tandem, breath work and

stretching are the best support for easing aches, pain, tension,

headaches, tight muscles and unexplained pain elsewhere in the body.

Just as there are different types of flexibility, there are also

different types of stretching. Stretches are either dynamic (meaning

they involve motion) or static (meaning they involve no motion). Dynamic

stretches affect dynamic flexibility and static stretches affect static

flexibility (and dynamic flexibility to some degree). When done

properly, stretching can do more than just increase flexibility.

Benefits of stretching include:

*enhanced physical fitness

*enhanced ability to learn and perform skilled movements

*increased mental and physical relaxation

*enhanced development of body awareness

*reduced risk of injury to joints, muscles, and tendons

*reduced muscular soreness

*reduced muscular tension

*increased suppleness due to stimulation of the production of chemicals

which, lubricate connective tissues

*reduced severity of painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea) in females

Stretching your body's muscles will actually enhance the healing

process. Long, slow static stretching will help to increase blood flow

and circulation, eliminating stasis and help to warm and invigorate the

muscles and in turn lubricate the ligaments and joints. One good over

all stretch for your body is to lie on the floor and gently bring your

knees up to your chest. Once there, put a little pressure on your knees

with two hands. Gently raise your head up toward the knees. Breath, in,

out, in out.....slowly. Stretch, then relax. Repeat.

One of the best over all stretches is the Sun Salutation. You can find

it here:

http://www.peacefulmind.com/yoga_therapy.htm

Also find other exercise information and stretching here:

http://www.peacefulmind.com/exercise.htm

Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac.

Peacefulmind.com

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