Spinal Flexibility

I recently discovered this Kundalini DVD taught by Maya Fiennes

Kundalini Yoga is used to awaken the coiled energy that sits at the base of the spine in the sacrum. We can learn to move this energy up our spine and into our heads. The process of this movement balances our bodies systems and creates greater health and awareness. Various asanas, pranayama and meditation practices are utilized. One can experience bliss, greater power, mystical consciousness and greater self-realization.

Through this yoga I have gained good insight into my spine’s mobility. In my work as a massage therapist I perform the same movements daily and hourly. At the end of the day I have lost awareness of where my body lies in space after feeling 4-5 other bodies alignment.  In a seated pose, which is oh so welcome after a busy day, I lean forward and back into flexion and extension; stretching my lower back and then proceed to my middle back, neck, shoulders and lastly hamstrings.  I draw circles counterclockwise and clockwise around my mid-line.  I can feel my digestive juices gurgling; I also feel that spot in my lower back start to stretch out. ahhhhh

As I continue this 30 minute stretching routine- this Kundalini Yoga- I think how useful it would be if we did this kind of movement everyday.  Or lets be realistic- even once a week.  Many adults don’t bother in sitting on the floor. When was the last time you sat on the floor?  Now lets add the stretching part: and then circular movements and then stretched some more.  And yes- being able to make a circular movement throughout the spine is a good thing. The DVD’s instructor Maya Fuentes comments on the spine and how strength and flexibility in the spine will keep us young.  This causes me to think of somebody I know who recently had 3 vertebra fused together.  The procedure has caused great pain and this individual still has difficulty moving about; a year later.  Hmmmm.  

Moving the 26 vertebra of the spine keeps our joints lubricated and reduces muscle spasm.  It pushes blood around through our body and we begin to think clearly and feel better.  If we keep mobility in the spine it reduces injury and keeps our organs functioning normally.  The spinal nerves come out of the vertebral foramen and innervate the various parts of the body.  Perhaps you pull your neck or wake up with a kink in it?   The muscle spasms and because of the neural pathways you could have resulting issues with your diaphragm!  Or your upper back can effect your stomach!

Check out this link on the spine.  You can see the pathways and corresponding organs and muscle groups that are innervated. http://www.drhunterhoats.com/3D_spine/ If you are like me, having a visual of what I am trying to feel makes it all the more better!