Spinal Tonic
While rushing for the F train I got tempted to try one of those free stress tests that the Dianetic missionaries offer at the Union Square subway station. Even before I held the gauge I knew the stress rate would hit the roof. I just knew it because my lower back was killing me, and it is my most accurate stress barometer. All the anxiety, tension, worry and fear from not meeting one’s expectations, from not living to one’s potential, from not “succeeding” harbors in the spinal column. It is simply our memory membrane that codes past, present and even future-anticipating messages and thoughts. It is our gravity tube that lets us travel through space and time and holds us together. The count of people suffering from lower back pain is hitting new records. Tylenol, Aleve, Motrin, Ibuprufen, Celebrex known for their anti-inflammatory properties are only temporary pain relievers that mask the symptoms, but bury the cause even deeper. What happens when the pain kicks back in after a couple of hours? Proper postural alignment, regular core strengthening routines and soothing yoga poses are your best bet, before taking the next “wonder pill”. 17 years ago I was in constant lower back and neck pain. I tried all allopathic and alternative remedies – anything from acupuncture to yoga, from magnetic therapy to clay wraps. And even though I was an avid yoga fanatic, even then I finally realized that it wasn’t only about maintaining a regular yoga practice, but more about combining the right abdominal and spinal exercises that promote a healthy back and neck and foster optimal mobility. I began to combine yoga, core work and Pilates in an un-orthodox way and came up with a varied, soothing and fun practice. Come and try this spinal elixir that I’ve compiled for you. And drop the whole notion of stress tests. Your body is the most accurate diagnostician and healer. But make a conscious choice to work in tandem with it. It takes two to tango!
This sequence targets lower back pain, and is conducted in an injury-prevention healing mode. Gentle backbends and soothing forward bends, coupled with decompressing twists and subtle inversions provide a varied spectrum of spinal extensions and contractions that lengthen the lumbar spine area and open the thorax and cervical spine. The sequence works on all planes: coronal, medial, frontal and transverse and provides structural integration by realigning the spinal column with the crown of the head and the tailbone. A strong core focus helps build up the oblique and transverse abdominals, while alleviating potential disk discomfort, and in turn increases the space between the vertebrae, lubricating the natural cushioning of the spine. The change of levels, planes, angles and directions affords a very innovative experience, where you can explore back relievers through varied positions and transitions. This Yoga-Pilates blend is accessible to all and will give you creative ideas to compose your own daily spinal health regimen. At the end of this practice you will feel suppler, taller and aligned with the Earthly vortex and the cosmic flow.
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