Current Pedorthics | May-June 2017 | Vol.49, Issue 3 | Page 46

Mindfulness from head to toe long after where I noticed that yoga, meditation, proper fitting footwear and orthotics reduced my lower back pain significantly. I owe much of my sanity to that advice. Yoga & Pedorthics. Who knew? The practice of mindfulness & yoga teaches one to find balance within themselves. Many of us think that balance is a moment of still- ness where everything is flat. But rather it is a reaction to the motion around us, or beneath us. Yoga is a practice of mindfulness, not just an exercise of body parts. Taking notice of what ails you, offering yourself attention & praise can be the first step to tapping into your mindful side. With frequent practice, yoga can improve your balance physically and mentally. Taking a moment for yourself in this busy life is yoga. You don't have to attend a fancy yoga studio to practice yoga and mindfulness. Living in the moment is yoga. Not standing on your head. Not twisting yourself into a pretzel. Its existing in alignment with yourself and the universe. As far as our feet go, we know that usually they are an overlooked body part, until some- thing starts to hurt or become nuisance. Most times, our patients don’t seek care until they are desperate for it. They get mindful about their feet real quick when this happens! As Pedorthists, it's our duty to offer some type bal- ance to our clients. We know that what aligns Other physical benefits of yoga include . . . : - Increased flexibility - Increased muscle strength and tone - Improved respiration, energy and vitality - Maintaining a balanced metabolism SELECTION OF YOGA POSES (ASANAS) 44 Pedorthic Footcare Association www.pedorthics.org - Weight reduction - Cardio and circulatory health - Improved athletic performance - Protection from injury