Unpacking the spine ~ (what’s in it for you?)
“If you would seek health, look first to the spine.”
~ Socrates
Today's post includes a movement session for you.
As we've (or I've) been talking about Winter, and the associated Bladder and Kidney meridians, it's a fine time to bring some attention to our spines.
The Bladder meridian is the longest of the main twelve - beginning just inside the eyebrows, crossing over the top of the head, down the back on either side of the spine, through the center of the hamstrings and calves, ending at the pinkie toes.
This meridian is also unique in that it contains points that affect all the other meridians, much like a main switchboard.
We (or I) had also been talking about the spiritual capacity of Will associated with this meridian.
Considering will power, or impetus, as a strong 'push' from behind propelling us forward, we can see this connection as function follows form.
Over the years, my own back has, well, talked to me a bit.
Management through movement and awareness of body mechanics has long been a high priority, but it was only recently that another facet of my increasing discomfort surfaced:
The storage of unexpressed emotions.
As we propel ourselves forward - doin' what we gotta do, and keepin' on keepin' on - the stuff we don't have the time or energy to attend to, like dealing with feelings, get tossed 'back there'. Outta site, outta mind. For the time being.
One day, a couple of weeks ago, as I was considering this possibility in light of an invitation to heal some 'old stuff', I was doing some self-massage work with Roll Model® Therapy Balls* on my low back in between clients. I felt some temporary tension relief, but nothing more dramatic than that.
That night I had a dream.
Actually three dreams, and as I realized later, each had presented a very Strong Emotion - the first two: jealousy and grief.
The third was long, and in it, I was trying to get to my chiropractor's office.
Along the way, something had occurred that outraged me, and I expressed my anger verbally. One after another, people were trying to quiet me and dismiss the origin of my offense, which only caused me to yell louder.
Upon waking, even though no one ever acknowledged my concern (nor did I get to my chiropractor), I still felt a sense of victory. Using my voice to advocate for myself has long been a fear, and it felt good - even in a dream - to feel that power.
Later in the day, I also discovered that a long-time nagging and painful catch in and around my SI joint had disappeared.
I'm assuming the massage ball work of the previous day allowed for something to free up and self-correct in my sleep, which prompted the dreams, but still.
Pretty cool, huh?
So. What's the moral of the story?
I know there are some who say ALL back issues are psycho/emotional in origin.
Not sure I agree totally, but, I do believe it's worth not underestimating or overlooking the powerful storage capacity of the back, or other body parts.
What might otherwise seem like an avoidable path to medications or surgery could be... well... worth broader and deeper exploration.
Which, I understand ... can seem more challenging.
Anyway. Even without all the potential for inner child epiphanies, I have found even simple spinal movement feels great, and frees up locked tension and energy.
Hence this video.
In the first of these, I explain that you can do this seated on the floor, in a chair, or even in bed (if that's where you happen to be right now - no judgement here! :), and some tips for getting the most benefit from it.
Intro to Wake Up Your Spine:
And, then the routine is below.
I'm pretty sure you can download this video to wherever works for you, so I will invite you to try it several days (or all of them) this week.
See what happens...;)
