In our previous article, we focused on five intermediate stretches and poses to help us deepen our range of motion in the back muscles and spine, and provide relief to back pain. We can now gradually start incorporating more demanding yoga poses into our routine that will add more strength and flexibility. This will aid in alleviating back pain and injuries, as well as improving back muscle and spinal health.

For many of us breathing is just a process of inhalation and exhalation. Most of the time we do it unconsciously, and understand that without breathing there is no life. Today, modern medicine, building on ancient traditions and practices, shows us that different forms and ways of breathing can promote health and prevent diseases.

Ashwagandha is known as the king of Ayurvedic herbs, and for a good reason. It is a rejuvenating and adaptogenic herb, and more studies and research are now showing that it can help with anything from poor sleep and immune system, to raising levels of testosterone in men.

If you have found relief regarding your back pain by following the stretches and poses from the previous article, then it’s time to start with more demanding exercises that will furthermore improve the blood flow and reduce the stiffness.

Lavender is one of the most versatile essential oils, and throughout history it was used in the kitchen for cooking, as an antiseptic and antibacterial aid, and recently research has focused on its use as a relaxing aid during heart surgery.

With summer already here, we should fully enjoy it, instead looking to stay indoors. However, if we are dealing with allergies it makes it challenging getting out in nature. Allergies can be a sign that our immunity and other body systems, such as our digestive system, are out of balance and might need additional support.

With its camphor-like smell, eucalyptus is a versatile essential oil for everyday use. It calms both the mind and body, as well as assisting with respiratory issues, skin irritations, fever and fatigue.

Back pain is a common issue many face, and research shows that nearly 10% of people worldwide experience at some point discomfort in their lower back. Exercises often help, but when we are short on time is when yoga stretches are extremely helpful as they promote blood flow and can alleviate some of the pain, stiffness and discomfort.

The foundations of Ayurveda are based on the 3 doshas - Vata, Pitta and Kapha. These doshas are what give us unique mind-body types and can help determine what symptoms or diseases we will be most prone to. If you have skin issues, get easily irritated or experience heartburn, you should learn more about the Pitta dosha.

With new and emerging research, the importance of a massage or any kind of physical stimulus to the body that manipulates our muscles tells us that massage therapy can assist with preventing certain health issues and complications. So why not use the full benefits of a massage on a daily basis as prevention? And the best part is, we can even do it ourselves (to some extent).

General movement and exercise reduce the risk of mortality by nearly 30%. This means that our muscles, joints and connective tissue might get banged up every once in a while, but with many of us, that rarely happens. It’s actually the opposite because of our modern, sedentary lifestyle, where our range of motion and flexibility decreases. This is where osteopathy can assist and also potentially decrease the risk of long-term health issues.

Rosemary, “dew of the sea,” has a long history with herbalists, dating back to ancient times where it was used as a tonic and stimulant to bring benefit to the heart, digestion, liver and mood. Rosemary is a powerful antioxidant, and its therapeutic properties are emerging for use in anxiety, depression, cognition, hair growth and cancer inhibition.