Joint Pain Relief in Drizzly Seattle
As the soft drizzle returns to Seattle and our days grow shorter, many of us begin to feel that familiar ache in our joints. The damp chill of fall and winter can make our bodies feel heavier, stiffer, and slower to move. Yet this season also invites us to slow down, nurture ourselves, and reconnect with the simple rhythm of breath and movement.
Gentle yoga can be one of the most soothing remedies for joint discomfort during the rainy months. By focusing on mindful, slow movement and deep breathing, we increase circulation, reduce stiffness, and remind our bodies that warmth and flexibility are still available, even on the cloudiest days.
Here are a few nurturing yoga poses and practices you can explore at home or in class to ease joint tension and bring a little sunshine back to your body. If you would like to move in a group class, go to my website and book a yoga class. Your first class is free!
1. Seated Cat-Cow (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana)
This gentle spinal movement is perfect for waking up the back, shoulders, and hips, especially if you’ve been curled up indoors with a book or cup of tea.
How to practice:
Start on all fours - hips above the knees and shoulders above the wrists.
Starting from a neutral spine, plant your hands into the mat, lift the chin and chest as you inhale.
As you exhale, round your back, tuck your knees into your chest and your navel in.
Repeat 6–8 times, matching breath with motion.
This simple flow lubricates the spine and relieves stiffness in the hips and shoulders. areas that often tighten up in cool, damp weather.
2. Gentle Joint Circles
Joint mobility sequences are small, mindful movements that keep the synovial fluid (your joints’ natural lubrication) flowing freely.
Try this:
Slowly circle your wrists, elbows, and shoulders.
Roll your ankles and flex your toes.
Move with care and curiosity, imagine you’re tracing gentle ripples in water.
You can do these at your desk, while waiting for the kettle to boil, or as a mini morning ritual before stepping into the Seattle mist.
3. Forward Fold (Uttanasana)
This pose brings a sense of calm and rest while gently stretching the back and knees.
How to practice:
Sitting on the mat with the legs stretched in front of you. Slight bend in the knees if the lower back or hamstrings are tight.
Gently fold forward from your hips until your spine feels long and relaxed.
Allow the upper back to round and relax the shoulders and the arms.
Let your breath move softly in and out. Relieves tension in the lower back and legs.
4. Seated Pigeon
A simple hip opener that helps ease tension in the lower body — particularly helpful if damp weather tightens your hips or knees.
How to practice:
Sit tall in a chair.
Cross one ankle over the opposite thigh, making a “figure four.”
Flex your foot and gently lean forward until you feel a stretch.
Breathe here for 5–10 deep breaths, then switch sides.
5. Gentle Breathing & Relaxation
Sometimes, the best medicine for our joints is simply stillness and warmth. End your practice with a few minutes of gentle breathing.
Sit comfortably, close your eyes, and feel your breath expand through your ribs and belly. Imagine sending warmth and light into each joint, knees, hips, shoulders, fingers. Imagine the rain outside is washing away tension.
A Gentle Reminder
Seattle’s rainy season offers us the gift of reflection. It’s a time to slow down, nurture our bodies, and honor what we truly need. Gentle yoga isn’t about pushing or striving, it’s about listening to our bodies. When we move softly and breathe deeply, we discover that our bodies are still capable of grace, no matter the season.
If your joints ache or stiffness sets in, treat it as a quiet invitation to roll out your mat, stretch a little, breathe deeply, and reconnect with the natural rhythm of life.
May your body feel supple, your heart light, and your spirit bright, even under the grey clouds.
If you would like to move in a group class, please go to my website and book one of my classes in Ballard, Capital Hill or your own private session!