Yoga Injuries:
“Yoga Should Heal, Not Hurt”

So said Dr. Roger Cole in a recent presentation to the American College of Sports Medicine. His comment comes in light of an increasing level of yoga-related injuries, particularly to the knees, back, neck, shoulders, wrists and ankles.

The reason, he says, is that many yoga practitioners try to force themselves into difficult postures instead of keeping within their physical limits.

“The first rule of safety is to avoid forcing your body. Instead, practice with awareness, commonsense and self-respect,” emphasizes Cole. “Yoga is supposed to teach us not to compete or show off, but use focused attention, conscious effort and relaxation to achieve results.”

Source: Longevity, August 2005.