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Yogis have known throughout the ages that spinal health is one of the most important components of health and quality of life.  Most all yoga asanas (postures) facilitate spinal health.

There are 23 discs between each vertebrae of the vertebral column.  These discs, filled with gelatinous material, provide cushion and support to help one to move easily in all directions.  After age thirty, they receive no direct blood supply, yet they are 80% water.  As we age, the discs dry out which can lead to problems.

So, how do we rejuvenate and prolong the life of our spinal discs?

Movement does it, by a process called imbibition. 

“Imbibition, from the verb “to imbibe or to drink” …describes the action of the disc passively taking up fluid from the surrounding tissue.  Movement causes the disc to absorb fluids.  By bending forward, backward, sideways or twisting, pressure on one side of the disc causes the other side of the disc to take up the fluids passively, which helps them stay plump and healthy.”  Yogabody—Anatomy, Kinesiology and Asana, by Judith Hanson Lasater, PhD., P.T., founder of Yoga Journal Magazine.

Here’s how it works:  When one bends forward, there is pressure on the front side of the disc.  At the same time, the posterior (back) side is receiving fluid.  When one bends the spine to the right, the right side of the disc is compressed and the left side is passively taking in fluid, keeping it plump and healthy.

Yoga practice is an effective way to move the column safely: extending the life of the discs and maintaining range and ease of spinal mobility. Yoga exercises can be modified for all levels of range of motion, location and available time.  One can do them while sitting, standing, laying down and even while seated in a chair at work.  If one is injured, there is also some benefit to visualizing these movements as though one had a healthy spine.  

Ask Leena or other qualified yoga teachers for the yoga asanas that are appropriate for you.  Important:  Before embarking on a program of yoga or if you have back pain, check with your doctor/chiropractor  Make sure to tell your teachers your restrictions and limitations.  Avoid "competetive yoga".  ALWAYS practice within a pain-free range of motion.

Namaste: 

Leena St. Michael, E-RYT200, RYT500         

CCCC Yoga Teacher

Leena teaches five drop-in yoga classes a week at CCCC for fitness and golf members and series classes through Town of Danville Recreation Department.  There are classes for all types of bodies and abilities.  This summer, she teaches summer yoga programs for teens/pre-teens and youth swim teams and a special summer sunset meditation series on Tuesday evenings.  Leena is available for private yoga and meditation sessions, family sessions, corporate programs and yoga parties (including children’s birthday parties) at CCCC.  To schedule a sprivateession or series, call Leena at 925.200.5130
For public classes check Danville's Summer Activity Guide
For CCCC members, call the club and leave a message with Christina Doell.