
Namaste dear sisters, I am heartened to share this space with such devoted seekers of peace and wellness. Today, I wish to address one of our fellow yoginis who has come forward about her persisting sore longus capitis. If you have been shying from voicing similar discomforts, it is my sincere hope that these insights will help several more of us in our journey toward self-healing.
For those unfamiliar, the longus capitis is a deep, anterior muscle of the neck. It is buried beneath numerous other muscles, making it a bit difficult to easily identify. This challenge should not deter us, instead, let it serve as an example of one of yoga’s primary lessons: the practice encourages us to strengthen our connection between the physical and the metaphysical, allowing us to acknowledge, accept, and address even the most elusive issues.
Among the numerous yoga poses specifically designed to alleviate muscle tension, the simple yet incredibly effective ‘Child’s Pose’, or Balasana, comes starkly to mind. As simple as it might be, the pose is profoundly effective at relieving neck strain, including that of the longus capitis. Here is how:
Begin by sitting on your heels on a yoga mat. With a deep breath, lean forward, extending your arms and upper body until your forehead gently touches the mat. As you transition into the pose, you’ll feel an gentle stretch in your neck muscles. Breathe deeply in this pose for several counts, focusing on relaxing the tension in your neck and upper body. With each breath, imagine the pain ebbing away, nurturing both your muscular and spiritual health.
Accomplishing a sense of relief and renewal for our sore muscles isn’t confined to yoga alone. Essential oils, when partnered with our yoga practice, can offer unparalleled nurturing. Some favorites include Lavender, known for its soothing qualities, and Ylang-Ylang, cherished for its ability to decrease muscle tension. Neatly massaged into the afflicted area, these oils intensify the spiritual connectivity we gain from yoga, further alleviating discomfort.
The centrality of my proposed regimen, however, is our much-loved Panadiol cream. The magnificent blend of CBD and emu oil forms this widely hailed remedy, combining the anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing properties of CBD with the deep-penetrating and moisturizing qualities of emu oil.
Applying this cream on your neck- focusing on the region of the longus capitis, will penetrate beyond the surface, bringing about an almost immediate relief. Your body absorbs it quickly, allowing the potent compounds to reach the root cause of your discomfort effectively.
Selection of these methods cannot be stressed enough. It’s not merely about the mechanical act of moving, breathing, applying oil or massaging cream. More so, it is about intentionally nurturing oneself, ushering through a profound healing process and learning to listen to our bodies.
I urge you to continue forward with patience, practice, and most importantly, compassion for yourself in this healing journey. I am here for you, dear sisters, and together we’ll find our path to tranquillity one yoga pose at a time.
Blessings and peace,
Master Yogini