In a 10 hour teacher training workshop with Mark Stephens "Working with Injuries", I was able to learn about and explore the path of working with physical injuries (as well as spiritual and emotional, though I'll save that for later) in a yoga class setting.
Experiencing injuries as a yoga student, either within your practice, or outside of, can be looked at under a positive light. With a muscle tear or strain for example, rather that just the basic TLC that it needs, we can use this opportunity to explore, and learn about the anatomy, and physiological aspects, focusing on this area. Injuries in this way can be like teachers, in opening doors and guiding us towards finding something new, and understanding ourselves even further.
As a teacher, it is first important to make an assessment, and work towards understanding how a student came to be a certain way, in a certain area of the body, or with yoga, in a certain asana. With a student that comes to class with lordosis, overly inward curvature of the lumbar spine, the teacher should primarily investigate in way to understand the students history, lifestyle, genetics, past traumas, and the list goes on. Assist the student at hand in discovering the cause. For example: perhaps the lordosis stems from long distance running and concentric use of the hip flexor muscles, eccentric use of the hamstrings. Its important also to be aware of when the pain/discomfort occurs, where, and the entire scope of circumstances under which the student faces their challenges. There are innumerable factors that can come into play here, including: daily activity, occupation (daily activity), diet, substance use, patterns of rest, as well as medication.
Other considerations of "why?" May or may not include for you: Questions on your own karma, your current and past surrounding, all that may directly or indirectly affect your physical being. How we live, as far as overall lifestyle in general, is embodied within us, and results in physical condition; whether that condition is positive or negative.... again the question that depends in large part on our own perception.
In order to fulfill my position as a yoga teacher, I’ll be happy to always share advice for healthy lifestyle, and more. With knowledge of injuries or challenges in students, friends, family, I’ll offer guidance and support according to specific needs, and my knowledge and teacher training on the particular issues. The space under which I will offer the practice, will be a welcoming one, a safe place for everyone, always.
Its important for students to really acknowledge any pain they are feeling. Pain is a tool, a voice coming from the body, reminding us of our limits. Rather than fighting, or all together ignoring the inner voice of pain, we should explore. As a teacher, being aware of the 5 yamas, and in working with injuries, the yama: Aparagraha. Aparagraha is non-attachment, non-possessiveness, and towards our students, not pushing them to “go for it”, but explore on their own, at their own will, and by the will of their body.
It is important to remember always, that as a yoga teacher, and though you may consider yourself knowledgeable enough to make these assessments and prescriptions, make sure that your student, or the person with injuries at hand is aware that you are not a doctor, and offer encouragement for them to seek outside, professional advice when necessary.
I will continue over time, to write more on the valuable information I have to share on specific injuries. Coming soon.... The first assessment. (Followed by specific injury in ankle, knees, low back, etc, etc).
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