A devotee writes: I was wondering if you knew of any yoga postures that would relieve pain I get in the lower spine and related areas. After a ski accident at age 14, a broken tailbone caused pressure on the prostate gland and sciatic nerve. Twenty-four years later I still have it.
Dear ___________:
Do you practice Paschimotanasana, the Posterior Stretching pose? You should do it very slowly and carefully, not forcibly, but rather relaxing further and further forward, concentrating especially on releasing tension at the base of the spine. Hold the pose comfortably for two or more minutes. Dhanurasana, the Bow pose, might be helpful, too. (But hold this one much less time, of course.)
Have you ever gone to a good chiropractor or osteopath? It should be one who takes x-rays. You might try cutting onions, garlic, and eggs out of your diet. (I am assuming you no longer eat meat, but if you do I suggest you omit that also.) These foods have a heating and somewhat irritating effect, especially on the lower nerves in the spine.
Do you practice Maha Mudra? It has a very healing effect. You might even try doing it twice as many times as you have been taught at Kriya Yoga Initiation.
Practice healing affirmations, too, with firm faith and deep concentration, and always visualize yourself free of any difficulties. I especially recommend Paramhansa Yogananda’s book, Scientific Healing Affirmations.
Remember, your body changes constantly. Every few years all its cells are replaced. The only reason they keep falling into the same old patterns is that you have established those cellular patterns for them to fit into. If you will change your mental “picture,” the incoming cells will fit themselves to the new pattern. People will then exclaim what a miracle has been performed. No such thing! You will simply have put into operation a basic aspect of natural law as it applies to the human body.
Be free!
Blessings to you, and prayers for your good health.
In divine friendship,
Swami Kriyananda
