body alignment

11-25-2009 | 0 Comments | moneca yardley

what a week, what a month, what a year!

laying down a platform for the next few years is a big project. i am pooped. i am grateful for the ability to pre plan. it is one trait that i find very comforting in the chaos of living a modern life in the big city.

i think that for now, i want to go back to the study and research portion of my life studies. i am reaching the point where all the work i have done to keep myself running well is running out. that is what a year of not practising my yoga and getting massages will do to a body like mine. i can feel the tension in my neck that most people complain about but i don’t usually. i also feel the tightness in my feet and ankles.

i am glad that i am trained to know the difference of what is right and what is wrong with my alignment. it is important.

i was fortunate to work with a new client today and i repeated the basics of what the body needs as ways to clear out the toxins and relax the muscles.

1. the art of taking a bath in sea salt and Epsom salts. bath for sodium chloride ( sea salt ) detox and magnesium sulfate ( Epsom) muscle relaxation. i like to make it a weekly practice, since blood cycles once every 10 days. i run a bath and i put in enough salts to make the water salty, that usually is about 2 cups. on days where i feel that the world has smeared its ugly head upon me, i put in more sea salt. on days where i physically am in need, i put in the epsom. it is usually a 20 min soak and i have myself a respite in an oasis of my own making. it is copying the ways of nature. the sea is a great rejuvenator and it is too cold to do the plunge here in Vancouver, BC, Canada – now in Costa Rica, that is easy.

2. i also mention to people that i like to train myself to stand in a certain way.

in tadasana:

-feet. two hands apart. under the hips.

-feet somewhat straight, not in a v but with feet pointed forward

-tapping the big toes so that the brain and body registers the feeling of the muscle systems up the inside of the leg. that is where the adductors are and where the largest amount of blood is transported back into the body cavity/ torso. it allow the energy lines of the spleen and liver to energize.

- if you know mula banda, then at this time it is good to engage the belly into the front of the spinal processes and lock softly.

- at the bra line, move forward so that the rib cage can open down and up. the spine becomes more upright with this adjustment.

- when you have done this move, you will notice that your neck straightens up, so this is the time to move your chin and eyes in a line that opens up the back of the nape.

-standing on one leg and into one hip is very stressful for the spine and the torso, it is a good way to end up with scoliosis of the back. it keeps the muscles engaged and does not allow the back to relax. i like to say that i practice standing so that my abdomens tightens, not my back.

3. as i was talking to my client, she mentioned that she drives a lot…

so i told her that in driving, i do a similar act to practise my body to a better form:

- getting in the car, i notice if my butt cheeks are comfortable placed, that one cheek is not splayed in a way that is not symmetrical to the seat.

- i notice if my ankle are pressurized in a way that is free and spacious.

-i bring my knees together as if they are magnetized.

- i drive with my big toe muscles so that i am using the inside leg muscles to engage.

- i do mula banda while driving.

- i keep my chest moving forward so that my neck is supported.

- i adjust my neck and eyes to the horizon to open up the back of the nape.

i find that when i make these adjustments, i can drive long periods and not have the same problems of stiffness and energy drainage.

be well and i will continue to offer my suggestions.

thank you.