Yoga Anatomy

Yoga and the Spine 43

E5267/Kaminoff/fig2.33/417608/alw/pulled-r1

A seated posture named mahamudra (figure 2.37) adds a twisting action to axial exten-
sion. It is considered a supreme accomplishment to do this practice with all three bandhas
executed correctly, because it represents a complete merging of asana and pranayama
practice.

Figure 2.37 Mahamudra combines axial extension, a twisting action, and all three bandhas.

intrinsiC equiliBrium:

tHe spine, riB CAge, AnD pelvis

If you were to remove all the muscles that attach to the spine, it still would not collapse.
Why? Intrinsic equilibrium is the concept that explains not only why the spine is a self-
supporting structure but also why any spinal movement produces potential energy that
returns the spine to neutral. The same arrangement exists in the rib cage and pelvis, which,
like the spine, are bound together under mechanical tension. Intrinsic equilibrium is also
exhibited by the pressure zone differentials described in the previous chapter (page 20).
These facts about the core structures of the axial body reveal a deeper truth about how
yoga practice appears to liberate potential energy from the body.
True to the principles of yoga and yoga therapy, the most profound changes occur
when the forces obstructing that change are reduced. In the case of intrinsic equilibrium,
a deep level of built-in support for the core of the body is involved. This built-in support
does not depend on muscular effort because it is derived from the relationships among the
noncontractile tissues of cartilage, ligament, and bone. Consequently, when this support
asserts itself, it is always because some extraneous muscular effort has ceased to obstruct it.
It takes a lot of energy to fuel our constant, unconscious muscular exertions against
gravity, and that is why the release of that effort is associated with a feeling of liberated
energy. Thus, it is tempting to refer to intrinsic equilibrium as a source of energy because
its discovery is always accompanied by a profound sensation of increased vitality in the
body. In short, yoga can help to release the stored potential energy of the axial skeleton
by identifying and releasing the less efficient extraneous muscular effort that can obstruct
the expression of those deeper forces.