Yoga for Wellness by Gary Kraftsow

Author:Gary Kraftsow [Kraftsow, Gary]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781101078297
Publisher: Penguin Group US
Published: 1999-09-30T16:00:00+00:00

The origin of our tracking patterns may be in the musculature of the pelvis, the length of the bones of the legs, or even in the condition of the ankles and feet. These patterns are often linked to the way in which the femur head (greater trochanter) rotates in the hip socket (acetabulum). We can begin to understand these patterns through observation, and the bottoms of our shoes are a good place to begin. We can then try to notice how our knees turn as we walk. Of course Yoga postures, particularly standing postures, can also reveal a lot about our tracking, but, again, this requires accurate observation. For example, it is advisable to watch our knees and see how they are responding before we try to impose a rigid form on our legs.

In working with any kind of a joint problem, there are three main objectives.

The first is to identify and to stop, wherever possible, activities that are causing irritation. In acute conditions, this may mean immobilizing the joint for some time. In less acute conditions, it may mean avoiding excessive weight-bearing and all forceful torquing of the joints. Or it may mean changing from a standard to an automatic car, wearing a wallet in the front pocket instead of the back, or taking a break from the golf course.

The second objective is to slowly and carefully find activities that improve the condition. This means increasing circulation to the joint, strengthening the muscles that support it, and releasing muscle spasms or chronic contractions. In Yoga therapy, this involves isolating specific muscle groups and working them gently without stress to the joints. As this presents a particular challenge for the sacrum, hip, and knee, which are all weight-bearing joints, it is most appropriate to work into these joints from supine (on the back) or prone (on the stomach) positions.

The third objective is to modify the movement patterns of the joints. For sacrum, hip, and knee problems, this means establishing a proper pelvic-lumbar rhythm and reorganizing the tracking of the legs. In Yoga therapy, this involves the repetition of carefully designed movements to re-pattern our use of the legs and hips.

In the methodology of practice, we want to introduce simple movements that increase circulation, stretch what needs to be stretched, and strengthen what needs to be strengthened. An important methodological point in working with most joint problems is to work the joint without restricting it, because, as a general rule, restricting the joint increases risk. The approach is to make the problematic area more stable and, at the same time, more flexible. This is achieved by gently contracting and stretching the muscles that support the problematic area. We then want to integrate that area with the rest of the body. This is achieved through the use of larger and more complete movements of the whole body.

The three practices that follow are designed to stabilize the sacrum, hips, and knees, and to strengthen their supporting musculature. They may be useful in certain chronic and painful conditions.

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