Does your back hurt? Are you so tired of the nagging ache in your neck, shoulders or back? Author and Harvard graduate Dr. Andrew Weil, recently stated "Chronic pain is like a moody teenager, ready to flare up at any point or leave you alone--but generally stubborn and silently brooding. Ongoing back problems are often caused by bad posture, injuries and poor body mechanics (how you sit, stand, lift, work, and sleep). Emotional factors can also aggravate muscle tension influencing back pain."

Dr. Weil suggests "Yoga is a safe and effective way to bridge this mind-body gap and treat chronic back pain." At Unity Yoga, we focus on returning the spine to its natural shape by strengthening back and abdominal muscles to keep it in a lengthened position.

Instructor Cynthia Mathis, Registered Yoga Teacher and member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists, knows what back pain is all about. She has Scoliosis: a curvature of the spine; Osteopenia: low bone density; Osteoarthritis in her spine and Degenerative Disk Disease: crumbling of the cushions between the vertebrae. Yet, all of these conditions are under control through her yoga practice. Her therapeutic teaching style reflects a combination of compassionate teaching with a great respect for your body while you learn and adjust to appropriate yoga movements.

Small classes allow Cynthia to know each student and to modify positions to suit your stance. An active back care class meets 6:45 p.m. on Tuesday evenings. This class emphasizes lengthening the spine and strengthening back and stomach muscles. Call 908.233.9697 to reserve a space. Be assured all other classes also include the elements of good back care.

Too busy to commit to a regular class? Drop-ins are welcome. For more information call 908.233.9697, or email us at unityogaNJj. Unity Yoga classes meet at 125 Elmer Street, Westfield.