4. Pigeon Pose (Kapotasana)
Sciatica pain often occurs when a muscle in the buttocks called the piriformis exerts pressure on the sciatic nerve, irritating it and pushing it against the tendons located beneath it.
This results in a shooting leg and buttock pain. The pigeon pose is an excellent pose that stretches the piriformis and relieves the pressure on the sciatic nerve.
- With your palms flat on the ground, fingers facing forward, and your knees bent on the ground with your legs behind your knees, lift yourself up so you are standing on your palms and knees.
- Starting with your right leg, bring your right knee forward so its placed behind your right wrist, and your right foot is in front of your left wrist. Your shin should be at a 45-degree angle at this point.
- Slide your left leg back, and stretch your torso forward.
- Maintain this position for 5 seconds, inhale, and stretch your hands out in front of you, bringing your forehead to the ground in a sleeping position.
- Take deep breaths and maintain this position for 15 to 30 seconds. Make sure you are consciously pushing your left thigh toward the ground and pushing your stomach slightly in for balance.
- Lift your head up, pull your hands back, tuck your left toes in and pull your right leg back.
- Repeat these steps with your left leg.
- Repeat this exercise 5 to 10 times, alternating between your right and left legs.
Beginner’s tip:
Roll up a blanket and place it below your buttocks and upper thigh of the leg in front with the bent knee. This will prop your body up, maintain balance and prevent your body from sliding to one side (as often happens) during this pose.
5. Reclining Big Toe Pose (Supta Padangusthasana)
This basic hamstring stretch can be therapeutic for those suffering from sciatica pain. It opens up the buttock and alleviates back pain. It also stretches the legs, especially the calves, and promotes circulation throughout the area below the torso.
- Lie flat on your back, bend your left knee and bring it in toward your chest.
- Grab an elastic strap, secure it around the ball of your foot and lift your left leg toward the ceiling.
- Stretch your leg, keeping your foot open and flexed, and your buttocks pressed to the ground.
- Breathe deeply and maintain this position for 10 seconds.
- Lower your left knee back toward your chest before placing your leg back on the ground.
- Repeat the exercise with the right leg. Alternate between the legs 5 to 10 times.
Beginner’s tip:
You can place the heel of your leg that is on the ground against a wall for extra support.
6. Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana)
This yoga exercise stretches your spine and lower back, providing relief from pain due to a slipped disc – one of the major causes of sciatica pain.
- Lie on your stomach with your legs stretched out and place your palms on the ground underneath your shoulders. Your elbows should be folded upward.
- Press your thighs, navel and toes into the ground.
- Slowly raise your upper body (head, chest and stomach) with the support of your arms, while breathing deeply. Bring your shoulder blades close together.
- Maintain this position for 15 to 30 seconds, then lower your upper body back to the ground and put your hands beside you.
- Rest for a minute before repeating the exercise 5 to 10 times.
Beginner’s tip:
Do not overstretch your back. Be gentle.
7. Spinal Twisting Pose (Ardha Matsyendrasana)
By flexing the lower back and hips, this exercise relaxes these areas, releases tension and pain in the back, and promotes circulation.
- Sit on a mat with your arms by your sides and your legs stretched forward.
- Bend your right knee, position your right foot outside of your left thigh and hold your right toe with your left hand.
- Turn your upper body to the right, place your right hand behind your back, and take deep breaths.
- Maintain this position for 30 to 60 seconds, reverse the legs and repeat the exercise.
Beginner’s tip:
Sit on a blanket for comfort and support, and discard it as you get better.
