18-24th January 2021 - Lumbar Spine Release

L U M B A R S P I N E

During this weeks classes we are focusing on the lower back, an area of the body conditioned by our lifestyles to be prone to irritation or injury. We spend hours with our spines in flexion sat at our desks, driving our cars, watching our TV's or texting on our phones, there is no wonder we often feel this intolerable discomfort.

U N D E R S T A N D I N G T H E A N A T O M Y O F Y O U R S P I N E

Our spine is made up of four sections, cervical (upper), thoracic (middle), lumbar (lower) and sacral (towards our tailbone), it is made up of 24 vertebrae and intervertebral discs that both connect and protect the spinal column. Our lumbo-sacral spine specifically is made up of

• Lumbar Vertebrae (numbered L1 to L5, they are known to be the most substantial and sturdy of the vertebrae and can endure the 'most' force)

• Sacrum (A triangle shaped bone made up of five fused vertebrae that sits in the back of the pelvis close to the hips).

• Coccyx (also known as the tailbone)

This is then surrounded by muscles that help to stabilise, rotate, flex and extend the spinal column. If not cared for these muscles are often left in a state of contraction causing tightness, tension and poor posture.

H O W D O E S T H I S L I N K T O O U R

Y O G A P R A C T I C E ?

The most obvious being the physical benefit of counteracting this compression with an opening and lengthening of these surrounding muscles and the spine itself. By having a consistent practice we create routine and stability for the body and re-create space to prevent the build up of those daily aches and pains.

The less obvious being the link between the spine and the nervous system. Let me ask you how many times have you heard your teacher talk about "activating the parasympathetic nervous system" during their class? The spinal cord and it's nerves are the means in which the body and brain communicate, together they make up our nervous system. Our lumbar spines, specifically the area that connects to our sacral spinal cord, controls what it commonly known as our 'rest and digest' response. This focus on our lower backs and the balance between passive and active stretching enables the healthy stimulation of the digestive system, lowers the heart rate and helps the body feel safe and relaxed.

To simplify, it is incredibly important for our overall health to give our lower backs a little extra attention every now and then.

If this resonates with you or you need that glorious lower back release, you can join me online this week through S E Y, all bookable through my website.

T H U R S D A Y

12:15pm Express Flow

5:30pm Vinaysa Flow

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Click the picture bellow to be directed to my youtube channel with a F R E E 10 minute flow focusing on the lower spine, please feel free to tag me on Instagram if you try it, it helps my little business grow!

W I T H L O V E

S O P H I E E M M A