Awareness Through Movement #379

Lengthening on the stomach and back - CONNECTIVITY

I asked for an image of the thoracic spine showing the nervous system and to add flowers with butterflies, it asked if I wanted stars… when I said yes, this is what it returned.

Grok says some of the benefits of this lesson are:

Rib Cage Expansion: Movements like lifting the pelvis or extending the arms overhead facilitate the expansion of the rib cage. This not only aids in better breathing mechanics but also helps in stretching the intercostal muscles between the ribs, which can become tight from poor posture or sedentary lifestyles.

Improved Posture: By focusing on the alignment and movement of the shoulder blades in relation to the spine, these exercises promote better postural alignment. The thoracic spine's natural kyphosis can be counteracted by these movements, leading to a more upright posture.

Enhanced Spinal Articulation: The slow, deliberate movements ensure that each vertebra can articulate individually, which is beneficial for those with thoracic spine rigidity. This articulation helps in distributing load more evenly along the spine during daily activities.

Connection Between Spine and Limbs: The exercises where you connect the movement of the legs with the arms work on the kinetic chain, emphasizing how movements through the limbs can influence spinal positioning and vice versa. This can lead to a more integrated and fluid movement pattern, reducing the likelihood of compensatory movements that might strain the spine.

Muscle Activation and Relaxation: By focusing on areas of tension or extraneous effort, these movements encourage relaxation of muscles like the trapezius, rhomboids, and intercostals, while activating others like the erector spinae and the muscles between the shoulder blades. This balance can help in maintaining spinal health.

These benefits collectively contribute to a more flexible, less painful, and better-functioning thoracic spine, which in turn supports better overall spinal health and movement quality. Remember, the effectiveness of these movements can vary based on individual anatomy, current flexibility, and previous injuries, so adjustments might be necessary for personal comfort and safety.

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It’s a nice lesson, with a touch of what we did last night, taking many pauses to check in and release areas that could be experiencing any discomfort - Vita and Asanga I think you’ll like it!

Oh, and for some amusement, you might find this little video interesting.

Enjoy learning more with your Self through this experience :)

Recording below: