Stretching As A 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.

Andrew Pacholyk, MS. L.Ac
Peacefulmind.com

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"We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals." ~Immanual Kant~