October Theme of the Month Classes Posted by Yoga Herts on Tuesday 24 September 2024

For this month’s theme we're focusing on the back body again, looking at certain areas of the spine which can hold tension and tightness and to be able to use our yoga practice to work with reducing discomfort and creating space. We will include some strengthening movements for the spine which are equally as important as the releasing stretches.

Keeping our spine moving in all the directions it can move is an important way to keep our spine mobile and healthy. These are all natural movements spine but in our own daily life it is often easy to do too much of one movement and not enough of the other, leading us to physical imbalances.

Noah Paul Cunningham states “The spine is the most important piece to our body — The Temple. Like a structure falls without a solid framework, so does the body without an erect and flexible spine. Disease, stress, strain, all have access to destroying our bodies with misalignment, and the single greatest way to stay in tune with our spine’s health is through the practice and discipline of yoga. Our pose (Asana) practice and complete stillness within meditation brings us closer to understanding the inner balance and energy our spine gives us.”

Yoga For Spine Health & Mobility Part 2

Week 1 - Yoga for Lower Back Release – Let Go - Many people have suffered with lower back pain over the years and it is an area that can get very sensitive. There are many reasons why we may get lower back pain and sitting down for prolonged periods is often a big factor. Yoga can help us to ease some tension and tightness as we release around the spine, hips and hamstrings.

Week 2 - Yoga for Thoracic Spine Mobility – Creating Freedom - Relieve tightness and tension around the thoracic spine and help to make your upper back feel more free. This area can for many people feel very restricted. The thoracic spine plays an important role in keeping the shoulders and the lumbar spine working properly.

Week 3 - Yoga for Neck and Shoulders – Release Tension and Tightness - Help to release neck and shoulder tightness and discomfort which can often help in reducing headaches. The stress of everyday life and poor posture often get stored around the neck and shoulders. We can use mindful movements and poses to increase the range of movement around that area and start to care for yourself. It’s important to remember too the greatest range of movement is possible at the neck so adding some strengthen and stability to that area is beneficial.

Week 4 - Yoga to Strengthen the Spine – Energise - There are many movements in yoga that engage the muscles of the back to create strength in the spine. Feel the connection of strengthening the muscles along the entire length of the spine. A strong and healthy back is important for good posture, and even doing everyday simple movements like sitting or walking.

Week 5 - The Six Movements of the Spine – Connection - Our spine is capable of moving in five main directions which are 1-lengthening/axial extension, 2-forward bends/flexion, 3-backbends/extension, 4-side bends/lateral flexion and 5-twists/rotation. Practising all five movements can help maintain spinal health and prevent back pain. If you are practice indoors try to include the six movements of the spine everyday.

Focus on keeping your spine straight. It is the job of the spine to keep the brain alert

This Months Music

Here's the usual selection of music that Vicky has been listening to this month.