The spine gains importance in yoga being the ‘express highway’ to evolution. Besides that as the central nervous system is aligned along the spine this part of the skeletal system is additionally significant in regulating the functioning of the physical and mental bodies.
The ‘pat on the back’ becomes not just a symbol of appreciation but the touch on the spine gives support and being done on the area of the Anahat chakra situated on the spine behind the solar plexus, gives an additional emotional boost to the person on the receiving end. |
Care for the spine
Lie straight on a mat and feel the earth underneath. Now fold both legs with the feet resting flat on the ground. Keep your awareness along the spine. Gently breathe out and at the same time press the part of the spine that is arched into the ground. Hols for a few seconds then relax as you breathe in letting the spine come back into the original position. You can repeat this exercise till the spine feels rejuvenated and relaxed. |
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Stroking the back of an upset child or friend brings immediate ease and people all over the world do this instinctively. Many asanas in hatha yoga practice work as a natural traction to the spine working on lengthening and strengthening it. No props are required for most of these asanas. There two schools of thought in this. One believes in not using props and allowing the body to naturally strengthen with practice, while some schools use props to hasten perfection of the asana. Whatever the practice, it should be done under the guidance of an authorised teacher. Stretching up reaching for the skies, the spine is elongated, removing stiffness. Every part of the body is rejuvenated by the simple stretch. Each vertebra is pulled and results in regulating the space between them and any compression of the nerves are corrected. Bad posture leading to weakness in the spine leading to slipped discs, pinching of nerves etc is cured. This stretching can be done both standing up and lying down. Care has to be taken, though, not to strain but get a smooth and even pull that extends through the whole body, including the fingers and toes. With the spine supine, feeling the earth underneath, and being sensitive to its gravitational pull anchoring the spine, can be an additional advantage in releasing tension here.
The relevance of the spine for good health needs no emphasis. Regular yoga practice takes care of this most important factor in all the bodies and prepares the spine for the ultimate rising of the bio electric energy called the Kundalini. |
