Namaste, divine beings. Today we traverse deeper into the realm of wellness, taking a journey inward to the sublime connection of the body, mind, and spirit. We direct our collective attention to a singular prospect, a path that seeks to heal and alleviate discomfort residing in the vastus intermedius, an oft-overlooked yet crucial aspect of our heavenly human structure.
The vastus intermedius, my kindred sisters, is as unknown as its location implies, found deeply nestled within the quadriceps on the front of the thigh, under the more famed vastus lateralis and vastus medialis. Although shrouded in anatomical mystery, this muscle holds immense responsibility, facilitating actions such as climbing, jogging, or simply bending our knees. Soreness or pain in this area can be a hindrance to our cosmic dance of life.
Healing, as taught in the depths of our Dharmic traditions, begins with awareness. Breath, our constant connection to the universe, bridges the gap between the physical and the spiritual. Breathe in deep, acknowledging the ache in the vastus intermedius, for suffering, the Buddha taught, can be a portal to liberation.
Now, we turn to the ancient, divine practice of yoga to bring relief and restoration to our ailing muscle. A particular asana, the Warrior Pose II (Virabhadrasana II), can work wonders on the vastus intermedius. Standing tall, feet spread wide, one foot directed forward and the other perpendicular. Bend the front knee, aligning it above the ankle, while the other leg remains straight, a statue in serenity. Extend your arms in line with your shoulders, reaching to both ends of the horizon. Breathe deeply, become conscious of the stretch in your intermedius, envisioning healing energy enveloping this region.
Also, the Reclining Hand-to-Big-Toe Pose (Supta Padangusthasana) promotes elongation and relief for the vastus intermedius. Begin by laying on your back, the mantle of the cosmos above, the comforting earth beneath. Lift your right leg off the ground, grasp it firmly, keeping the left leg grounded and straight. Gently guide your elevated leg towards your body, feeling a soft stretch in your thigh. Allow your breath to flow, washing over your sore muscle like a healing river.
Beyond the sacred tendrils of yoga, other paths to healing are strewn with nature’s bounty. Turmeric, a golden spice blessed with anti-inflammatory properties, can be the perfect companion to your healing sojourn. Sprinkle it liberally into your meals, or transform it into a heavenly elixir by boiling it with almond milk, honey, and a touch of black pepper to enhance absorption.
Essential oil, the viscera of Mother Earth’s flora, can also provide respite to our vastus intermedius. Massage a few drops of lavender or peppermint oil, mixed with the carrier oil of your choice, into the affected area. Allow the aroma to guide your senses into tranquility as your muscle imbibes the soothing essence.
Lastly, dear sisters of spiritual awakening, remember to rest. The vastus intermedius, like us, is a celestial dancer in this cosmic ballet, and it, too, requires periods of peacefulness. Allow your body and soul to surrender to the renewing arms of Shakti, the universal energy of restoration and rejuvenation.
Here, amidst the serene embrace of our yoga retreat, we do not fight our physical tribulations. Instead, we approach them with loving compassion, as we would an old friend in distress. We listen to their story, assist them with tools imbued with ancestral wisdom, and nurse them back to health. A sore vastus intermedius, viewed under this compassionate lens, is not a distress call but a loving invitation to deepen our interconnection with the self and the universe. Let us accept this invite with grace, courage, and the spirit of Ahimsa, the true essence of our healing journey. Namaste.
