As a species, we need to do more backbends. We evolved to gain an ability to walk upright. Our pelvis needs us to move in all the directions we’re built to in order to operate efficiently.
I’ll explain the physical ramifications in part 1, The Chakra Solution in part 2, and the techniques towards more openness physically, mentally, and spiritually in backbends in part 3.
In my experience, working with clients from all over the world, we need to remember the functionality of our spines, hips, and shoulders. We become so consumed with productivity that we sacrifice our bodies to survive. Seems counterintuitive.
When we close off the chest and hunch forward we’re causing a couple things to happen to our systems:
1.)Our back muscles become over taxed and loose the ability to squeeze the shoulder blades into flexion. Our chest muscles suffer the opposite effect; they can’t relax. Your giant head needs support and they now bear the burden. 🤬🤬🤬
2.) We suffer digestive problems because our ribs are moving closer to our pelvis and squashing our organs. 😦
3.) Our jaws tighten up because the neck muscles are now being strained too and we can start grinding teeth and suffering from headaches. 😬
4.) The hips lock up! This is more common then you think (if you’re not in the fitness industry). You loose the ability to squat down low and you can feel like you’ll fall backwards when your sit with your legs in front of you or in a butterfly position in front of you. 🙁
5.) We stop raising our head and pulling shoulders back and down all. together…For days, weeks, or months. 😱
Physical ramifications are just half to story. Our ability to interact socially can be impacted by poor posture and the body language it emits. Someone who is hunched over could appear to be closed off, unapproachable, not engaged, hiding something, and weak or ill. This could lead them to miss opportunities like getting a job due to appearing too introverted or secretive (I’ll touch on that in the next section). 👉👉👉The body language that poor posture communicates, and it’s physical effects, can be changed if the intention to change it is approached from the right angle. It is of great importance that the physical as well as the emotional bodies are addressed.
The Chakras in the heart, chest, and throat all contain a solution to poor posture. The problem has a Yogic solution. I’m not saying it’s an easy solution.🧘🏼♀️ Check back here for the part 2, Backbends: The Chakra Solution ☸️
SUNYATA YOGA 