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Yoga Therapy Monthly offers information and inspiration to yoga teachers who want to improve their ability to help clients heal, grow, and shine.
From Aadil Palkivala, world-renowned yoga master and author, federally registered Doctor of Naturopathy, Ayurvedic Health Science Practitioner, certified Shiatsu and Swedish bodywork therapist, with degrees in law, physics, and mathematics. Aadil has been teaching yoga and training teachers for over 35 years.
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| Uncontrollable Muscle Shaking |
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Question:
On many occasions, my students' muscles shake uncontrollably after strong asana practice--and sometimes after a not-so-strong asana practice. Is this a purely physical reaction, or could it be subtle body or chakra awakening?
Answer:
Muscle shaking after a strong practice can have a  number of causes. First, you must understand that it is not desirable. Indeed, it is a symptom. One of two things happened: Either you have overworked the muscle to such an extent that it does not know how to go back to its orginal position, and therefore trembles; or you are irritating your nervous system by practicing too intensely or incorrectly, and a nerve is firing, causing the muscles to shake.
A strong asana practice, especially during youth, is highly recommended and has many benefits, but should never be violent. When the muscles shake uncontrollably, it is a strong indicator that the practice has been far too violent. Indeed, I remember my young, egoistic days, when after doing a strong practice with B.K.S. Iyengar, my muscles would shake for two or three days! This agitates the nervous system and prevents the sthiram (stillness and stability) and sukham (pleasantness and happiness) that Patanjali describes as being the desired effects of asana.
Having said that, there are times when a muscle has been so tightly contracted for so many years that, when it is finally released in an asana practice, it shakes uncontrollably because it does not know whether to be longer or shorter. This, however, is a temporary phenomenon.
The shaking could also be due to an awakening of a chakra or a subtle body realignment--this shaking does not happen often, though it is often strong. However, your question indicates that the muscle shaking is both frequent and intense. Thus, my guess is that you are overworking.
-Aadil Palkhivala |
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Inspiration for Teachers |
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An Excerpt from Fire of Love:
We feel peaceful only when we feel safe. As soon as we feel fear, our primeval animal nature is roused and our sympathetic nervous system triggers the "fight or flight" response. hence, it is our duty as teachers to make sure our students feel safe in class. When they do, their parasympathetic system comes to the fore, allowing self-exploration and healing. Self-exploration is hardly a priority for one who lives in fear. As our leaders demonstrate with appalling regularity, fearful people are more concerned about defense and countering the aggressive force of an "enemy," even though the enemy is usually in their own mind.
Holiday special and a wonderful gift! Order Fire of Love online and save 15% - Use coupon code YTM1208 (Valid through December 31, 2008)
Remember, if you are a yoga teacher, your purchase is tax deductible as "continuing education!" | |
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