Our upright spine is one of the hallmarks of our human body, and one for which an owner’s manual might be welcome. Yoga practice and the science of chiropractic have the potential to serve as that missing manual. Both methodologies are focused on the idiosyncracies of the spine and how to maintain the optimal alignment, health and well-being of this crucial living structure.
Los Angeles chiropractor and yoga therapist Dr. Jeremy Brook describes the two methodologies as being virtual brothers and sisters. Both address alignment, structural integrity and the nervous system from the perspectives of physical, psychological and spiritual wellness.
Integrating the two disciplines, a number of chiropractic doctors practice or teach yoga themselves, and even present information on the spine and its mechanics at yoga teacher and therapist training programs. Dr. Brook is one example of a teaching chiropractor, enlightening yogis and teachers as to the anatomical and energetic nature of human anatomy and physiology, including the spine.
Few chiropractic colleges offer yoga, which would be a helpful addition to their programs. Dr. Brook reports that he studied yoga on his own, partially in an effort to recover from rugby injuries. He found the two came together naturally. Because of this natural affinity, interest in yoga by chiropractic colleges is increasing. Dr. Rick Morris, who contributes his expertise to the yoga therapy program at Loyola Marymount University, has developed a yoga video geared toward chiropractic students.
Although yoga is much more than simply moving the body, in the physical realm, both yoga and chiropractic science share similar goals of maintaining mobility of bones, joints, muscles and especially the spine. To accomplish this, the two practices can work together to create harmony in the body-mind. There are times when a yoga practice or even a therapeutic application may not be enough to adjust a fixated, out of alignment or immovable segment of a joint, including the multifaceted joints of the vertebral column. At least, not so the change takes hold. In these situations, a skilled chiropractic adjustment can set things right and realign bones and joints.
In this fashion, Dr. Brook sees chiropractic adjustment as a precursor to yoga. Working with a skilled chiropractor can help unlock a specific bone that’s stuck and jammed, can realign the spine and can help the body move with intelligence. For maintaining that intelligence on a day-to-day basis, yoga reigns supreme, says Dr. Brook.
A chiropractic adjustment often needs to be accompanied by postural corrections, mind-body education and changes in habitual patterns for a lasting effect. While chiropractors frequently employ visualization and other mind-body techniques to assist an adjustment, Dr. Rick Morris admits to the limitations of a chiropractor, particularly in their available time for physical reeducation. “Not all chiropractors have an hour to spend with you.” Additionally, a chiropractor’s knowledge of yoga varies widely. Some doctors, such as Jeremy Brook, have enough expertise to suggest poses and practices. Dr. Morris suggests that other doctors would do well to partner with an experienced yoga teacher or therapist to provide an educational supplement for an expert adjustment.
“Life is a constant vinyasa.”
Along these lines, there are times when yoga practice should be avoided or curtailed when working with a chiropractor. According to Dr. Morris, these situations occur primarily in the acute phase of an injury, which is generally during an injury’s initial few weeks. A person might not be ready for yoga classes that offer a full range of postures until some healing and adjustment takes place. A restorative practice may be an exception and expert guidance to choose the most appropriate practice is critical.
Dr. Morris cites one of the benefits of an appropriate yoga practice as being the relaxation and focus obtained when coordinating breath and movement. Since the vertebral column, the skeletal structure of the spine, interfaces with the nervous system, breath affects physiology and psychology. Breath also influences the subtle or energetic body through the movement of prana.
Prana in Sanskrit means both breath and life force. In yoga, the spine is the conduit for the movement of prana through the nadis, or subtle channels of the body. Prana is often coordinated with our human electrical currents. Misalignments in the physical structure can interfere with this flow and the associated movement of prana. Dr. Brook muses that the spine is a precious instrument, one that enjoys greater longevity with careful playing.
“Life is a constant vinyasa,” says Dr. Brook. We are always sequencing from one movement to another, from the moment we get out of bed, as we flow through the activities of our day. Vinyasa with grace, accompanied by a sense of unimpeded and painless movement is essential to live joyfully and well in our bodies.
