Spinal Biomechanics (in relation to our first Class)

Basic Organ Structure and Function

The spine has two mutually exclusive functions that it needs to balance -

- it houses and protects the Nervous System, and allows for mobility. In the event that conflict arises, protecting the Nervous System is the body's top priority and the muscles connected to the spine go into spasm to prevent mobility.

The skull and spine house the Central Nervous System (CNS) and have holes that allow nerves to communicate between the central and peripheral nervous system.

The spine consists of 32-34  vertebrae of which 3-5 are fused into one bone ; the sacrum. Thus they are often counted as 26, which considers the sacrum functionally as one and the tailbone/coccyx as one.

Inbetween the vertebrae , there are intervertebral discs which have elastic cores that act as a shock absorbers. You often hear of "a slipped disc", this is when the elastic core is squeezed out from its proper place.

For our first class we will be doing the "Spinal Energy Series". This series works from the base of the spine to the top. All 26 vertebrae receive stimulation and all the chakras receive a burst of energy. Its a wonderful kriya to do before meditation and you will experience greater mental clarity due to increased circulation of the spinal fluid.