Yoga and the spine

Yoga and the spine

The Sanskrit word for the spine in yoga is "Brahma Danda", which literally translates "the Lord's walking stick". This implies that it is as important for the body as it can be a walking stick. A fit, strong and well-oriented spine is crucial for a healthy and pain-free life, so there are a number of yoga asanas that specifically aim to improve and maintain the health and well-being of the back and spine of the yogis. These asanas support the strengthening and increasing the flexibility of the entire spine in order to eliminate existing or emerging back -related health problems.

The spine is divided into three main sections, which consist of the cervical, the thoracic and the lumbar area. All three endure the stress caused by the body, but in different ways. The cervical part consists of the seven cervical vertebrae and is often severely affected in times of fear and stress. Therefore, the asanas that are practiced to relieve anxiety, depression and stress should be carried out for improvement. The thoracic part, consisting of the twelve swirls, supports the chest and it is important to maintain good posture in order to keep it properly and to keep it in shape. The lumbar area is the most affected area when it comes to back problems. It consists of the five vertebrae of the lower back and bears both the load of the abdomen and the upper back. Problems in the lumbar area can lead to severe back pain as well as sciatica and leg pain.

Since the spine acts like a control tower for the entire body, it is important to train it within its own limits. Back exercises that correspond to the five natural movements of the spine are most conducive. The five movements include:

bow is the movement of the spine, which bends forward and bends the body into a fetal -like position. Therefore, support poses that support this natural movement, such as the cat pose, the children's pose and the downward dog, all the spine to achieve this natural attitude.

extension is the natural movement of the spine, which enables it to stretch and extend the spine. Asanas such as the dog-up dog, the Kobra pose and the camel pose imitate all of these innate movement and help her to gain strength.

axial rotation is the way the spine turns to take up various everyday functions of life. Yoga implements this rotation with the various Twisting asanas such as Half Spinal Twist, sage twist and Half Lord of the Fish Twist. All of these attitudes strengthen the spine and facilitate the routine twisting of the body, which it carries out naturally.

Lateral bend this is the side that is part of the normal daily activities, such as: B. lifting something with one hand. The yoga asanas that reinforce this act include the side stretch and the turned head-to-knee pose.

axial extension is the fifth movement of the spine, which of course occurs, but does not occur very often in everyday life. So there are no certain asanas that help improve this movement, but some indirectly create this effect.

All of this can lead to a strong spine that helps to live a fulfilling and safe life.