One dimensional views of the spines vertebrae
Vertebrae & the Spine
The spines vertebrae connects the skeletons head, chest and pelvis, distributes the weight of the skeletons upper body through the pelvis to the legs and protects the spinal cord and nerves.
Dare I write the natural 3 and 4 dimensional S shape of a healthy spine has 4 curves and is made up of 24 independently moving vertebrae and 9 fused vertebrae. The 3 and 4 dimensional flexibility and stability of the vertebrae is created by muscles, ligaments, and connective tissue that acts as a shock absorber to increase easy and pain free movement.
The motion and rotation of the vertebrae can be spontaneously motivated by a shift of skeletal movement of areas of the head, ribs, shoulders, arms, pelvis, legs and feet. By increasing a spontaneous fluid motion through this core skeletal system it improves balance and general overall health; physically, emotionally and mentally.
This core system of articulating, sensing and cultivating awareness of each unique pattern of movement describes the focus point of somatic learning in Feldenkrais. Read more about Feldenkrais below
Those who created the anatomy learning standards had a dominant left-brain approach using a 1 or 2 dimensional focus when they separated the vertebrae into smaller sized chunks to compartmentalize them for easier scientific study and micro management. These four parts of the spine are labelled; Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar and Sacral.
- Cervical spinal cord & nerve functions
- Thoracic spinal cord & nerve functions
- Lumbar spinal cord and nerve functions
2 direct ways to influence vertebrae and spinal functions
1. Feldenkrais & the Spine
The patterns of micro-movement in Feldenkrais increase available movement and are intended for participants to begin observing the activity of how each body part participates in the focused pattern of movement. Whilst observing the patterns one is creating another intention is to increase felt awareness of each movement.
Here are some examples of symptoms and diagnosed conditions that have been eased through learning some of the somatic movements of Feldenkrais:
- Anxiety, depression & mood disorders
- Arthritis
- Carpal Tunnel
- Chronic Pain
- Eating Disorders
- Edema
- Fear
- Fibromyalgia
- Injuries
- Intimacy
- Multiple sclerosis
- Muscle Tension
- Muscle Pain
- Nerve Pain
- Parkinson’s
- Spasms
- Stroke
- and more………
Why Feldenkrais?
It’s not a philosophy & there is no guru
The focus is upon a natural learning system & developmental building blocks that may have been interrupted through one’s lifetime
The wonderful integration focus of micro-movements in this somatic system of learning stimulates confidence and inner-strength. It’s singularly focus is upon activating one’s learning awareness within themselves that increases a more complete and natural system of support. In many students these patterns of micro movements has reduced the conditions and attachment to any diagnosis they have had. It appears that changing movement patterns can decrease years of habits and reaction contributing to the diagnosis.
Feldenkrais is a self-focused learning system uniquely designed to increase ones abilities to function in the world.
2. eating for Spinal Cord & Nerve Functions
Cultivating awareness of the nutritional needs for the vertebrae and all it’s functioning parts can create direct actions towards improving the conditions one’s experiencing. Focusing upon an eating plan that feeds all ones moving parts can be an effective lifestyle change not only physically but emotionally and mentally. Retrain your brain through eating and growing appreciation for the actual function it is feeding.
The only way to change is action
Effective Movement Posture Mentoring Programs Available:
1st Level – Getting Started (Introduction & Pattern)
2nd Level – Getting Intouch (Experiencing & Connection)
3rd Level – Integration (Embodiment)
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To keep her upright props were placed under her arm on the side that was contracted (shorter side). Blocks were put under her feet so she could feel them on the floor.
I saw a new student to our balance class walking in behind her walker. She was bent completely over with arms outstretched in front of her, hands on the walker handles, head and eyes looking directly down towards the floor. I was surprised and curious at how to teach the class and include her.
From the looks of her posture she never stood back up! Did I forget to mention she is 4 foot 11 inches and a senior!
Center for Inside Awareness 