Yoga Gratitude
I really am grateful for my yoga practise. I value my time on the mat to focus inward and I know for certain that it has tremendous value in managing my daily stress level. I am also constantly amazed how much ancient wisdom about posture is at the “core” of a physical yoga practise. For example, we are often told, in standing postures, to spread our toes and root to the ground through our whole foot.
A scientist from 2015 who studies biomechanics would tell us (and they do tell us) that equal weight distribution through your whole foot aligns bones, and activates muscles for most efficient biomechanics and the least amount of stress on joints. Try it for yourself, you can appreciate the results from sitting or standing….plant your feet, spread your toes, now put a little more push trough your big toe….did you notice lower abdominal muscles subtly contract and lift you up that little bit taller? Those muscles are now working as a bit of traction up and off your lower spine joints and magically you shoulders lift with no tension through upper back or neck muscles.
Namaste,
Dr. Angela Macdonald DC
aka “the Princess of Posture”