Guest guest Posted January 26, 2002 Report Share Posted January 26, 2002 Hello! I am very new to Ashtanga yoga...and unfortunately, there are no REAL Ashtanga classes in my area, so I have had to resort to videos and books.<br><br>I would sincerely appreciate any recommendations in regards to relieving shoulder pain that I am having during the Sun Salutations. From Upper Plank position....as I lower into Chaturanga Dandasana, and when I roll up into Up Dog, my shoulders hurt. I know that one reason is most likely that I need to develope upper body strength, but I am also concerned about my basic body form. I try to keep my elbows close to the body, and my hands directly underneath the shoulders, but..Ouch...pain and stress in shoulders! If I open my stance, the pain in relieved, but I know that that is incorrect form. I feel the pain and strain also when I try to roll into Up Dog; and I can feel my arms "cheating" in order to get into position. <br>Back dipping? Improper body mechanics? Alignment? Any tips would be wonderful!!<br><br>Thank You!<br>Amy<br><br>PS...I know some of you may see that I am from Seattle....and in Seattle there ARE Ashtanga classes....but in truth, I live about 30 minutes from Seattle....and a 60 minute drive when reality of traffic kicks in! Phooey! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 27, 2002 Report Share Posted January 27, 2002 My experience also, except that I get most pain when I am *NOT* doing yoga! For the other 22 hours I got pain in my wrists first, then forearms, then upper arms, then shoulders (that lasted about 5 months), then into my spine. By that time I had realised what was causing it (the yoga) and from talking to others, that it is par for the course. Now the spine pain has moved into my shoulder blades, but I have learned to live with some kind of pain. It seems that every new posture brings its own agonies! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 27, 2002 Report Share Posted January 27, 2002 So - open your stance! How would you know if it is correct or not when you don't have a teacher!<br>If you are reading Guruji's Yoga Mala, or the book he published with L. Miele, then you should be focusing on the breath and bandhas and proper vinyasas. If you are reading silly books that give an excess of info on details of the poses - then your getting your knickers (and shoulders) in a twist over nothing.<br>At least go take a month of classes with a qualified teacher, so you can practice with a bit of awareness. Then self practice for several months and again return to a teacher. The commute should certainly be worth the knowledge and pain relief that you will come away with.<br>In the meantime, widen your stance and put your hands where ever they help you most. You are a beginner - so start at the beginning, and all will follow gradually.<br>m.p. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 27, 2002 Report Share Posted January 27, 2002 Building on the valid point raised by Missy Pinky, ashtanga.com lists the following highly qualified teachers in your area:<br><br>David Garrigues Certified<br>Catherine Garrigues Certified<br>The Ashtanga Yoga School (two locations)<br>1412 12th Avenue<br>Seattle, WA 98122<br>(206) 261-1711<br>ashtangayoga<br>www.yogaspirals.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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