Yoga Therapy for Wrists

In my classes I demonstrate yoga hand positions (mudra) using a golf ball as a prop. If we are doing a mudra that requires the fingers to be spread, or for the fingers to touch only at the fingertips and knuckles, think a ball is a good assist. It keeps the students from collapsing their fingers and wrists. I use a golf ball, but a ping pong ball would work equally as well.

Wrist exercises are good for all of us. The particular benefit to golfers is that they are more aware of the strength of their grip. For seniors, it helps us keep those fingers a bit more fluid. So many of us suffer from arthritis in our hands, and these simple exercises can be challenging on some mornings.

I searched YouTube for “yoga wrist positions” and came up with 100′s of hits. I’ve selected the websites of Sherry Smith and Steve “Earth” Metz to post. These two yoga teachers present clear, easy-to-follow directions and their depth of knowledge about the anatomy of the wrist is evident.

Sherry Smith of Serenity Stream Yoga and Wellness Center of Tampa, Florida has a series of mini-videos on wrist exercises. If you go to, “Combating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome with Yoga” you’ll see links to the entire series on the right sidebar of your screen. She has about 8 videos for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and some yoga stretches for shoulders. http://www.ehow.co.uk/video_4400421_combating-carpal-tunnel-yoga.html

Steve “Earth” Metz has two videos on wrist therapy. While he does these postures on a mat, I think they could be done a lot easier just sitting at a desk or kitchen table. The ability to get down on all fours and consciously not put weight on the forearm while exercises seems to complicate things and diffuse the focus. I introduce the knuckle rolls Metz demonstrates using a golf ball.I find that students will slow down and not rush through the roll if they’re trying to balance a golf ball in their palm at the same time. There’s no need to use a ball, it adds to the focus. http://vimeo.com/800836

© Copyright 2012 Dee Buckingham, All rights Reserved. Written For: Rising Tide Yoga