Yoga for Lash and Brow Artists: How I Healed My Wrist Tendonitis and Found Relief from Muscle Tension.
As a lash and brow artist, you know the physical demands of your work. The long hours of intricate detail, the precision, and the constant focus on your client's lashes and brows can take a toll on your body, particularly your wrists, shoulders, and back. Over the years, I too felt the strain, especially in my wrists, which eventually led to a diagnosis of tendonitis.
But what if I told you that yoga not only helped me heal but has become an essential part of my routine to stretch and relieve the tension that builds from hours spent hunched over? Let me share my story of how yoga transformed my health and became a game-changer for my physical well-being as a lash and brow artist.
Healing Wrist Tendonitis with Yoga
It started as a subtle discomfort in my wrists, which quickly progressed into intense pain. As a tattoo artist and lash/brow specialist, my hands are my tools. The thought of not being able to work due to injury was terrifying. That's when I turned to yoga—something I had practiced for years, but never with the intention of healing physical pain.
The first step was listening to my body and understanding what it needed. I started incorporating gentle wrist stretches into my practice. The child's pose, downward-facing dog, and cat-cow stretches became my go-to moves to release tension and gently stretch out my wrists. Over time, these poses, along with specific wrist exercises, helped to alleviate the discomfort and eventually healed the tendonitis.
Yoga taught me that instead of pushing through the pain or relying solely on external treatments, I could use my body’s natural movement to heal itself. It was a reminder that we don’t have to suffer through the physical toll of our work—we can actively support our bodies and promote healing through mindful movements.
Yoga for Posture and Muscle Relief
As lash and brow artists, we often find ourselves hunched over for long periods, especially when working on clients who need precise, detailed work. This posture can lead to tightness in the shoulders, upper back, and neck. I found that certain yoga poses are incredibly effective at stretching these tight muscles and counteracting the tension that builds over time.
I started incorporating the following into my practice:
Shoulder Openers: Poses like puppy pose and thread the needle helped to release tension in my shoulders and upper back. These poses promote better posture, which is crucial for avoiding long-term discomfort.
Chest Openers: Cobra and fish pose helped stretch my chest and alleviate the forward-hunched posture I developed over time. These poses not only opened up my chest but also created space for deep breathing, which helped me release built-up stress.
Spinal Twists: A few simple seated twists and spinal rotations worked wonders in relieving tightness in my lower back, which often suffered from sitting for long stretches. These poses realign the spine and increase flexibility in the lower back.
Wrist Stretches: Simple wrist stretches and movements like prayer position or reverse prayer pose helped me keep my wrists strong and flexible—critical for preventing further injuries.
The Mind-Body Connection: More Than Just Physical Relief
One of the unexpected benefits I experienced through yoga was the mental clarity and focus it brought. As I connected with my breath and movement, I was able to shift my mindset and become more present during my work. The mental aspect of yoga—learning to stay calm, centered, and focused—helped me become more patient and compassionate toward myself, especially when I felt fatigued.
Yoga not only provided me with a way to heal but also with a new approach to self-care that I now integrate into my daily routine. It’s a reminder that taking care of our bodies, through movement and breath, is just as important as taking care of our craft.
A Daily Practice for Long-Term Wellness
For lash and brow artists, yoga isn’t just a one-time fix—it’s a lifestyle. Incorporating regular yoga into your day helps prevent burnout, improves flexibility, and keeps your body in balance. Even if you can only spare 10–15 minutes a day, a few stretches before or after work can make a huge difference in how you feel. Over time, you’ll notice the benefits, not only physically but emotionally and mentally as well.
If you’re struggling with wrist pain, muscle tension, or just want to feel better during and after long hours of work, yoga may be the answer. Remember to listen to your body and adapt your practice to your needs—healing is a journey, and yoga can be your guide.
Conclusion
Yoga helped me heal my wrist tendonitis and has become an integral part of my self-care routine as a lash and brow artist. The stretches, breathing exercises, and mindfulness practices have improved my posture, released muscle tension, and supported my overall well-being. If you’re in a similar line of work, I encourage you to give yoga a try. Your body—and your mind—will thank you.