Yoga correct approach to the spine

The Importance of Improving the Health of the Spine

The spine is the axial rod of the body, the foundation, one of the main reference points for the work of many organ systems. It is difficult to overestimate the importance of a healthy spine, because it is directly involved in motor function. And the possibility of normal functioning of all functions of the endocrine and peripheral nervous systems also does not do without the participation of the spine, which is the main highway for signals and reactions of these organ systems. Therefore, problems with the spine should be resolved as quickly as possible. Making an appointment with an orthopedic doctor in case of detection of certain pathologies is a guarantee of maintaining the health of not only the spine, but the whole body. There are some problems and diseases, the treatment of which cannot be done without the intervention of a surgeon, but most spinal ailments can be overcome non-invasively. Moreover, the spine is best treated in a comprehensive manner, with the joint efforts of massage therapists, therapeutic effects. At this stage of the development of medicine, the cause of certain painful conditions of the spine can be established in several ways. For example, in addition to the well-known X-ray diagnostics, magnetic resonance imaging has begun to be actively used.

These methods in combination allow us to quite successfully combat certain diseases of the spine, ranging from common scoliosis to displacement of the vertebrae in the case of injuries, pinched nerves and other unpleasant disorders of the spine. And although a consultation with an orthopedic doctor is also necessary for effective treatment of the spine. We should also not forget about alternative medicine and the abyss of useful opportunities that spiritual practices, such as yoga, offer a person.

The diversity of yoga

The flaw in the thinking of the European or American layman, which does not allow him to see and understand the whole essence of the significance of this or that Eastern practice, lies in an overly differentiated approach and consumer attitude to certain issues. Europeans are accustomed to perceiving yoga as a tool for physical self-improvement, which also helps spiritually through various types of meditation. In fact, yoga and the opportunities for self-development it provides are much deeper and more significant. Yoga in the broad (and closer to the true) sense of the word is a whole set of spiritual practices that allow you to develop the physical and mental abilities of the body.

The goal of yoga is to achieve harmonization and that level of internal development that would allow you to reach the state of moksha. This term means the exit of the soul from the circle of eternal reincarnations due to such intensive and effective development.

Thus, yoga is inextricably linked with Hinduism and Buddhism, offering its adherents a path of spiritual development. The subtlety of this path in the Indian interpretation lies precisely in the fact that yoga develops not only the spirit, but also the body. Physical health is also part of the harmony that must be achieved, because a person is a complex creature with different levels of perception. Unfortunately, at the present time, European culture has accepted only the lowest level of yoga, which consists of a complex of physical exercises, special asanas and meditative techniques. This level is in fact only the preparation of the body and consciousness for the perception of more subtle meditation techniques, but most Western people practicing yoga stop at this stage, called hatha yoga. However, even this level of yoga has enormous potential in terms of healing effects. In particular, this also concerns working with the spine, since the Hindus knew many centuries ago about the importance of a healthy spine, and therefore many yoga exercises are aimed, among other things, at restoring and strengthening it.

Yoga practice for healing the spine and combating pain in the spine

A practitioner of hatha yoga uses the following techniques to heal and harmonize the body and spirit:

• Specific relaxing breathing. The ability to breathe correctly provides a foundation, allows you to concentrate better, calm the nervous system, regulate some metabolic functions, focus internal energy (working with which is an integral part of each level of yoga).
• A special diet also plays the role of a cleansing filter, thanks to which the body begins to work at a new pace, in an optimal mode.
• Mudras are used - a set of specific movements designed to connect the internal channels of human energy, stimulate the work of certain organs.
• But the most famous tool of this type of yoga is asanas. They are a set of exercises performed during meditation. Asanas have deep symbolism, but also require constant physical improvement from the practitioner, flexibility and strength.

When it comes to the therapeutic effect of yoga on the spine, they usually talk about the beneficial effects of asanas. The fact is that these exercises were developed specifically to serve as a tool for developing the muscles of the spine, improving their tone. Since the load on the vertebrae themselves is removed, the condition of the spine as a whole improves, and the work of internal systems is harmonized. Yoga is not a panacea, but it can significantly help in getting rid of back pain. Moreover, all yoga, including simple meditative techniques, always insist on the correct position of the back, which indicates the importance of the role of the spine, which yogis understand.

Of course, there are diseases for which yoga is simply contraindicated due to specific exercises. Therefore, do not forget to always consult a doctor. With the permission of an orthopedic doctor, the patient can practice yoga, since this type of activity has a deep therapeutic effect and helps maintain the health of the spine.