Yoga Pose of the Day: For Sciatica

Your sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in your body. Tenderness and pain can occur along the sciatic nerve for many reasons; from running, sitting in a car for a long period of time, to various everyday activities and movements. The important thing is to listen to your body and fix the problem. Pigeon pose is just the remedy you are looking for!

• There are many ways to get into this pose. You can start by sitting on the ground. 
• If you have a yoga mat, you begin by taking the knee of the leg that is in pain to the edge of the mat, so that it is in a 90 degree angle (or as close to 90 degrees as you can get it-but make sure you do not push, or you will hurt your knee). Where ever you are at is fine. You are exactly where you need to be. 
• The other leg is going to be straight back behind you, the top of your foot on the ground. 
• You can stay upright with your palms on the floor. If you want more you can come down to the forearms. To get the deepest stretch, bring your head down to your mat or towel, and your arms straight out in front of you. Again, listen to your body. Do not push yourself so that you are in pain. 
•  Try to hold for at least a minute. Breathe. 

Repeat on the other side to keep the body balanced.