It has reached epidemic proportions. More than 1.5 billion people worldwide live with chronic pain, and with few exceptions, Mainstream Medicine offers no solutions other than dangerous and often addictive prescription drugs.1 In the United States alone, around 116 million people suffer from chronic pain.2 That’s one third of the total U.S. population!
So I was not surprised about the large number of emails I received from Save Our Bones community members asking for drug-free solutions to their chronic pain. I immediately realized that I had to search for something that anyone could do – regardless of age and physical condition – that was effective and backed by science and that it should work for both chronic and occasional pain. Believe me, I was up to the challenge!
Fortunately, I found what I was looking for. I simply had to travel thousands of years back in time to find the ideal natural method to get rid of pain.
I'm referring to yoga. In the Osteoporosis Reversal Program I recommend yoga to tackle stress. I also write that,
“From a bone health standpoint, practicing yoga increases physical strength and flexibility, both of which are helpful to prevent fractures.”
References
1 Global Industry Analysts, Inc. Report, January 10, 2011.
https://www.prweb.com/pdfdownload/8052240.pdf.
2 Institute of Medicine Report from the Committee on Advancing Pain Research, Care, and Education: Relieving Pain in America, A Blueprint for Transforming Prevention, Care, Education and Research. The National Academies Press, 2011.
Dear Vivian,
First of all, I just found this site and have been reading all day, it is amazing! thanks for putting all this info. together!
Im am 37 years old, has always worked out a lot and follow a very healthy diet, but to my dismay, I was yesterday diagnosed with Osteopenia. I can’t understand why as I follow everything supposed to have strong bones and body.
The only thing I can’t think of is the fact that for a year and a half, I have been taking a TBsp of Raw apple cider vinegar (Braggs) diluted in a glass of water, first thing in the morning. It was supposed to help with the calcium absorption and to keep the body alkaline. However I have found today some mixed results. Could it be the reason? what would you suggest?
Thanks a lot, looking forward to your answer back,
Thank you Vivian for all the information you send.I read it all and think I am on the right track for managing my osteoporosis. I am 79 and believe my bones have not been strong or many years so it may take a long time to correct the problem. But I am trying.
Dear Vivian,
I do not know how to do yoga. My mind is wandering anywhere. So even though I like it I cannot focus my concentration in one area. My brain is wandering in far away places,all jumbled up. So I stop.
kind regards,
juvy
Hello, Vivvain,
It is true what you saidabout chronic pain. That is the reason why I love to holiday here in Portugal, because of my knee ache, ache.The sun is the best cure. When I was in the UK, I could hardly stand and walk. Now thank God and the Sun here in Portugal it is gone. I never take medicines, because I am very frightened of side effects. Instead of suffering only one problem I will have very many additional problems. So those member of this community should holiday in the sun and swim in the hot sea water. In the Philippines the water is warm even 6pm and you will just float. IN Bohol especially. It was nice.
Love and take care
juvy
Hi Vivian
I am wondering if anyone has any information on the drug Algaecal for building bone density. Saw it on the Dr. Oz show and he raved about it. There is a lot of information on it but it has not been around for very longso I am not sure if there is any long term complications.
Hi Julie – AlgaeCal is an excellent product as long as you take it without the Strontium Boost. For more about why I don’t recommend supplemental strontium, please read https://saveourbones.com/strontium-demistyfied/
I’ve been doing yoga on and off for years.
Hi! Vivian,
First Of All I Want To Thank You Again, For ALL YOU DO To HELP US WITH YOUR SAVE OUR BONES PROGRAM.
I Think Yoga For Pain Is A GREAT IDEA! They Have A Class At My Local JCA, That I’m Thinking Of Trying, And Then Once I Learn How It’s Done, Do It At Home.
Thank You VERY MUCH AGAIN!
LOVE, MS. L. (LESLIE)
Hi Vivian
Thanks for your article on Yoga, I have been trying to get into a Yoga class in my town since we travel so much its hard to stay with a class, now I can just order the DVD and take it with me wherever.
Just returned from my doctor with excellent results from my Dexascan. 2010 right hip was -3.36 today it was -2.93 and 2010 spine was -2.15, today it was -1.59. I have been on the Save Our Bones program since Feb. 2010 and not only lost some weight, but getting great results and feeling good too.
This is really exciting to me since its been an uphill battle with my husband and the diet changes.
Thank you, thank you, thank you…I will spread the good word. Carolyn
I’m so happy for you, Carolyn! Thanks for sharing your excellent results with us… and keep up with the Program 🙂
Just joined in and Thank You for all the great information I am receiving . You are affirming the fact that I do not need to go on Prolia. Even though my Doctpr told me if I dont I might fall, break a hip and die or be an invalid. Scare Tatics or What. I am taking Yoga classes and it does work for pain and relaxation.
I have been doing yoga now for five years and never felt better in my life. Now I teach it and learning Tai Chi. For those who are curious about Tai Chi, the best part about the form is that it improves your balance by working on both your brain’s postural neurological pathways and strengthens your ankles, knees and hips. I wish to study it further and advance in belts (like karate belts).
Thank-you Vivian for posting this.
I did Hatha Yoga many years ago and enjoyed it immensely. I am now 71 and recently began classes in Dru Yoga which is a very gentle and relaxing form of Yoga. There are one or two positions I am unable to do as I do have Osteoporosis and have 3 fractures of the vertebrae. Fortunately I don’t suffer a great deal of pain unless, for example, vacuuming for too long and overdoing it sitting at the computer. I am also trying to follow Vivien’s advice regarding diet and begin back at the gym again soon, after being away for a few months. Thank you Vivien for your wonderful help and advice
Keep up with the Program, Margaret 🙂
Thanks Vivian for reminding your followers about Yoga. I’ve been going to a Yoga for Senior class at my local gym for several years now and I don’t think I could live without it. I’m building strength and am almost pain free at 68 years old. Yoga can be done at any age (even in a wheelchair or just sitting). I strongly urge my Save Our Bones friends to get involved. There is Yoga for every level.
Some yoga poses and exercises, as well as other movement systems can create pain. The question is not What we do with our body, but How we do it. Also remember that the Feldenkrais exercises are wonderful gentle pain relieving movements which also help grow bone. Also – check the Alexander Technique, a set of guidelines for pain free daily life activities.
shula
How about T’ai chi ch’uan,better known in the west as t’ai chi.
The yin (slow movement) form consists of slow,repetitive,meditative,low-impact movements. These are easily learned,and usually presented in the martial art context at many dojos.
Current western medical/scientific studies have shown that these movements promote balance control,flexibility,cardiovascular fitness,and have been shown to reduce the risk of falls in both the elderly and those recovering from stroke. Also,it has demonstrated benefits to sufferers of high blood pressure,multiple sclerosis,Parkinson’s,Alzheimer’s,and fibromylgia.
As with yoga,t’ai chi has also been shown to reduce levels of LDLs by 20-26 mg/dl,when practiced for 12-14 weeks. And that when compared to regular stretching,has been shown to improve overall physical,and mental, health.
Thank you Vivian for all your health updates! Yoga has drastically improved my back. When I did not do it for awhile it was painful to start it again. To ‘newbies’ be careful when just starting yoga. After working through chiropractor appointments when starting yoga, my back is strong, thanks to yoga twice weekly, Vivian’s diet change and hiking weekly.Mid June I have a book coming out called, “SILENT THINK TIME – How to bring virtues back into our home, schools, counseling & work’ at Outskirtspress.com which has many kinds of yoga exercises in it.
I also believe in “Silent think time” and I would be interested in seeing your book. Do you have a web site I could visit?
You can access the website by “https://sites.google.com/site/silentthinktime/home . Please see the info on the book at this website, and order the book, it’s on Kindle or Nook too. It comes out in mid-June. You can do a google search also for “SILENT THINK TIME”.
Ihave look at the book preview . It looks wounderfull, and contains so much self help information. Using this approch to life relaxes the everyday stress. thanks Vivian and Karen. I will use Silent think time forever.
I have seen that your book is out. I need to tyhank you for all your effort to try to get the world to wake up
Vivian, I so appreciate your work , dedication, persistance and goals. What an inspiration to all of us!!!!!!!!!!!!
You’re very welcome, Carol!
I have osteoporosis in the lower back and hips. Does this video address the fact that some yoga poses are not recommended for someone with osteoporosis (such as any forward bending poses.) ?
In Yoga For a Pain Free Life you’ll find many poses and moves that address all areas where pain is most commonly experienced. The instructor not only clearly shows you what to do; she also explains what not to do, so as to avoid injury. And if you find that one pose is uncomfortable for you, simply don’t do that one. Also, consult with your healthcare practitioner.
I have never do a Yoga before, so I ordered the DVD Yoga for a Pain Free life, and see whether
It can help me or not, thank you.
I practice most of the moves in the DVD, and I’m feeling great. I’m quite sure you will to 🙂
Dear Vivian
I agree with U for the Yoga healing power. I myself started exercsing Yoga daily since more than 30 years after having read and got acquainted with the Hindu culture.
Today I do daily around one hr of Yoga early morning I do the following asanas
Padmasana (Lotus position)// Paschimottanasana ( Posterior Strecth Position) // Yogamudra // Suptavajrasana ( first and second position) // Hulasana // Upasana // Sarvangasana // Shurshasana
I also do fitness too and follow a very good nutrition intake and so have a very good health Thanks God. Haven’t been to a Doctor for the last 17 years and never took any maedicine. I don’t know what is pain or headache. My heart beats at reverse reach 166 and I dont use any eyeglasses yet. Yoga if practised with some heavy exercise and good nutrition I assure U that human age will cross the 100 years easily and can hit the 125 without a problem. We must also be enviro and echo friendly aware.
Thanks for sharing your favorite asanas, George. And continue with your great habits!
I AM 82…LOOK LIKE 65…NO PAIN……NO PAIN…..FRACTURED FEMUR WHEN I WAS 62, TOOK FASOMAX FOR 5 YEARS.HAVE HAD TO HAVE EXTENSIVE DENTAL WORK,,AS A RESULT……DID YOGA IN MY 40’S…..I BELIEVE YOGA IS NOT FOR US………..HOWEVER TI CHI IS THE ANSWER.YOU DO NOT HAVE TO GET ON THE FLOOR…YOU STAND.I STOPPED DOING MY OWN CLEANING ALMOST 5 YEARS AGO AND CLEAN MY ONE BEDROOM APT….I HAVE A TRAINOR…2X A WEEK..MUCH BETTER TO SPEND MONEY ON ME. LOVELIGHTLIFE..JANET
Hi Janet,
Tai chi is excellent as well, and I also recommend it in the Osteoporosis Reversal Program because it’s a stress buster and increases flexibility, stamina, and muscle tone – to name a few benefits.
However, my research clearly points to yoga as the best natural way to mitigate and eliminate pain – whether occasional or chronic.
To your fit life!
Vivian