EMBRACING MOVEMENT: THE IMPORTANCE OF FORWARD FLEXIONS AND SPIRALS FOR OSTEOPOROSIS MANAGEMENT

Upon receiving a diagnosis of osteoporosis or its precursor, osteopenia, one of the first cautionary directives from medical practitioners often revolves around avoiding forward flexions and twists. However, today, we’re here to unveil another perspective: one that advocates for the necessity of gentle movements in restoring bone and overall health.

Let’s take a deeper look.

From the Kaiut perspective, movement isn’t just an action; it’s the very essence of vitality.

We believe that movement serves as a generator of life force, impacting not only physical health but also vitality on a deeper level. When we restrict movement, we’re essentially starving the area, as malnourishment arises from decreased circulation.

WHEN MOVEMENT IS RESTRICTED OR LIMITED, THE POTENTIAL FOR VULNERABILITY IN THAT AREA AMPLIFIES.

Is this making sense? Decreased movement (of any kind) increases vulnerability.

Let’s hit the pause button for a moment and really consider this.

Take forward folding, for example. Sure, it’s a common pose in yoga, but it’s not just confined to the mat. Forward folding is a functional movement pattern that is woven into the fabric of our daily lives.

For example, you’re in a forward fold position multiple times throughout the day. Even something as routine as driving a car, going to the bathroom, or sitting down for a meal puts your body in a forward flexion pattern. The forward fold is literally everywhere throughout your day.

Spirals, like forward flexions, are also found functionally throughout the day.

Consider the simple act of turning to go in reverse or reaching for something in the back seat. And what about those moments when someone calls your name from behind? These everyday actions rely on spiral movement patterns that our bodies naturally crave and benefit from. In fact, some might argue that our bodies need more of these spirals in our daily lives to support overall health and well-being.

This is a common issue that arises when movement is restricted without considering the real-life consequences. Limitations on movement are often imposed without fully grasping the implications they carry. In truth, individuals with diminished bone density face a heightened risk of injury when subjected to sudden, drastic movements compared to those in a Kaiut class, where the system is approached from a parasympathetic standpoint.

However, beyond the physiological advantages, excessive restriction of movement may pose biomechanical concerns, particularly for individuals coping with an osteopenia/osteoporosis diagnosis. Let’s explore these biomechanical considerations in detail:

1. Diminished Circulation: When movement is limited, circulation in and around a joint decreases, leading to inadequate nourishment of the joint and surrounding tissue. This compromised circulation can adversely affect bone health and tissue integrity.
2. Neglecting Wolff’s Law: Wolff’s Law, as described in a previous blog, asserts that bones adapt and strengthen in response to applied pressure. Restricting movement in areas with diminished bone density contradicts this principle, hindering the natural process of bone remodeling and adaptation.
3. General Atrophy and Deterioration: Movement is essential for sustaining vitality within the body. A lack of movement results in decreased muscle tone, diminished nerve connectivity, and overall tissue deterioration, exacerbating the challenges associated with osteoporosis.
4. Crucial Soft Tissue Stimulation: Perhaps most significantly, movement of skeletal structures serves to massage and stimulate the adjacent soft tissue, including arteries, veins, and organ/nerve tissue. Deep within the body, vital structures such as arteries and veins rely on the stimulation provided by skeletal movement to facilitate optimal circulation, nutrient delivery, and waste removal processes.

By understanding these biomechanical factors, we can appreciate the importance of maintaining appropriate movement and activity levels to support overall musculoskeletal and vascular health, especially in individuals managing osteopenia or osteoporosis.

YOU MIGHT BE WONDERING, WHAT SETS KAIUT YOGA APART FROM THE OTHER TYPES OF MOVEMENT THERAPY WHEN IT COMES TO OSTEOPOROSIS?

In Kaiut Yoga, forward folding and spirals take on a unique significance, offering not only therapeutic benefits but also a safe and accessible practice, even for individuals dealing with osteoporosis or osteopenia. What sets Kaiut Yoga apart is its holistic approach, operating from a mode distinct from conventional movement therapies. Unlike approaches that emphasize achieving specific poses or pushing through physical limitations, Kaiut Yoga prioritizes the well-being of the entire system, working from the parasympathetic nervous system.

Within this framework, every movement is guided by a deep awareness of the body’s needs and limitations, fostering a sense of alignment and presence within the practitioner. Instead of striving for a predetermined “final pose,” Kaiut Yoga encourages students to explore their unique range of motion and find the optimal position for therapeutic engagement with the body’s systems.

Crucially, Kaiut Yoga recognizes that forward folding and spirals can be particularly beneficial for individuals with osteoporosis or osteopenia. By operating within the parasympathetic nervous system, practitioners can safely and effectively address areas of tension and imbalance without risking strain or injury. This gentle yet profound approach allows students to work within their zone while still accessing the transformative potential of the practice.