Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a reduction in bone density that affects us as we age and certain medications, including those for cancer and glucocorticoids may increase risk. As the bones become more porous and brittle, compression fractures may result from normal daily activities or falls. It is important when practicing yoga with osteopenia or osteoporosis that certain body mechanics guidelines be followed in order to ensure safety and comfort. 

"To keep proper alignment, avoid the following positions or movements:

• Having a slumped, head-forward posture
• Bending forward from the waist
• Twisting of the spine to a point of strain
• Twisting the trunk and bending forward when doing activities such as coughing, sneezing, vacuuming or lifting
• Anything that requires you to reach far. An example is reaching up for an item on a high shelf, which also could cause you to lose your balance and fall."
  http://www.nof.org/articles/549
  

Below you will find a few yoga postures and a mudra that are helpful for those with osteopenia or osteoporosis. 

Prithvi Mudra
Touch the tips of the thumb and ring finger together, extend the index, middle, and little fingers; rest back of hands on thighs.
Benefits: Encourages feeling of safety within the body

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Seated Lunge
Draw right knee into chest and hold around shin. Press left foot into floor. Sit up as tall as you can. Hold 5 breaths. Exhale to release and repeat to other side.
Benefits: Stretches muscles around hip.

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Cross-leg Twist
Cross right thigh over left. Inhale and sit up tall. Exhale bring left arm outside of right knee, right arm under chair back. Try to twist navel, ribs and chest allowing head to follow. (Hold 10 breaths each side).
Benefits: Squeezes muscles of torso and detoxifies organs.

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Seated Downward Facing Dog
Press hands into table and push your chair back as you extend arms overhead. Press hips into chair and feet into floor. Relax shoulders away from ears. Engage the belly. Hold 5-10 breaths.
Benefits: Stretches shoulders and spine, encourages deeper breathing.

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Virabhadrasana II (Warrior II)
Stand with feet wide apart. Turn right foot in 30 degrees and left foot out 90 degrees. Inhale arms out from shoulders. Exhale and bend left knee. Keep torso upright and do not lean over bent leg. Gaze towards left hand. Hold 5-10 breaths then release and change sides.
Therapeutics: Strengthens legs and increases balance

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• More practices for Osteoporosis