ASANA

Usually our daily activities are often associated with forward bending. We seldom bend back for any reason. In order to maintain health, our body requires backward bending also. Backward bending postures reposes and strengthens the entire nervous system along with vital organs of the body. They also re-energises the muscles and regulates metabolism of the body.

HOW DOES BACKWARD BENDING ENCOURAGES GOOD DIGESTION ?

Good digestion refers to efficient working of gastrointestinal tract. Backward bending asan increases the rate of peristalsis movement in the stomach, small intestine and large intestine. These asanas pushes the intestinal contents in the anal direction before slowing down and allows the intestinal contents to be propelled more quickly and easily towards anus. As a result the digestion becomes fast and efficient. In this way backward bending asanas encourages good digestion.  

HOW DOES BACKWARD BENDING REDUCES ABDOMINAL FAT ?

Due to lack of physical activity, poor dietary habits and stress, the entire digestive system becomes sluggish. In that condition disproportionate amount of fat is unevenly accumulated in the abdomen region. Backward bending asanas are associated with stretching of abdominal muscles which requires strength and energy to perform. For that purpose,  body begins to consume stored fat from the abdominal region by converting it into glycerol and fatty acids also. Glycerol is converted to glucose; then further break down releases energy; as well as fatty acids are broken down into hydrogen and carbon dioxide which also releases energy. This energy is utilised by muscles for contraction and movement. In this way, backward bending asanas. reduces abdominal fat.

HOW DOES BACKWARD BENDING ALLEVIATES LOWER BACK PAINS ? 

When stagnant stools are accumulated in the large intestines, then the process of absorption becomes slow. This decreases intestinal absorption of dietary vitamins and minerals. Shortage of vitamins and minerals leads to decrease the rate of depolarization in the membrane potential within the cell and slowly generates action potential. This results weak nerve impulse transmission to muscles which provokes pain in lower back as it is proximal to large intestine also. Backward bending asanas stretches the abdominal muscles which pushes the stagnant stools towards rectum and relieves from constipation. In this way, backward bending asanas alleviates lower back pain.  

HOW DOES BACKWARD BENDING RELEIVES FROM LUMBER SLIP DISC ? 

Intervertebral discs are the soft tissues containing nucleus pulposus at the center and anulus fibrosus surrounding the center with certain thickness located between the adjacent vertebrae. The range of movement of the vertebral column is limited by the thickness, elasticity, and compressibility of the Intervertebral discs. These also act as shock absorbers. In Over weight and heavy lifters, the pulpy nucleus flattens and the anulus bulges when weight is applied, as occurs during standing and more so during lifting. Due to excessive forward movements, the nucleus pulposus serves as a support and the anulus is simultaneously placed under compression slides to one side. Backward bending asanas reduces pain and relocates the position of the central part of the disc with sustain flexions of the vertebral column. In this way backward bending asanas relieves from lumbar slip disc.

HOW DOES BACKWARD BENDING PROMOTES PROPER FUNCTIONING OF KIDNEYS ?

Backward bending is a natural range of motion for the spine which increases its suppleness and flexibility. This involves compression and stimulation of internal organs like kidneys which are located just below the ribs at the back and posterior to abdomen. Gentle compression and pressure on kidneys provides opportunity to filter the blood in an effective way and regulates major hormones secreted by adrenal glands. In this way backward bending asanas promotes proper functioning of kidneys.

HOW DOES BACKWARD BENDING RELIEVES FROM MENSTRUAL DISCOMFORTS ?

Usually; menstrual discomforts are associated with abdominal cramps, lower back pain also. These arise due to excessive contraction in the uterus to get rid of uterine lining by limiting the supply of oxygen to the nearby muscles, which radiate pain through the web of nerves within pelvic region. During backward bending asanas extension occurs in the frontal plane of abdominal area which covers abdomen and pelvic region. This encourages optimum blood supply to the pelvic region which nourishes the reproductive organs, urinary bladder and lower part of intestines. In this way these asanas relieves menstrual discomforts.

HOW DOES BACKWARD BENDING RELEASES MUSCULAR TENSIONS OF BACK & LEGS ?

The condition in which the muscle length shortens and the tension on  the muscle remains constant throughout contraction refers to muscular tension. It is usually associated with stress, anxiety and sedentary life style. Backward bending asanas like dhanurasana exerts sustain pressure on regions of lower back from L1 to S1 area which innervates pelvic organs and legs. These asanas elongates the contraction of muscles and propels proper blood flow throughout the of the back and legs which provides high relaxation to the muscles. In this way backward bending asanas releases muscular tensions.

HOW DOES BACKWARD BENDING ELIMINATES CHEST CONGESTION ?

Due to prolong improper sitting postures, the entire thoracic cavity is compressed and the breathing becomes shallow. This causes lack of proper oxygen supply to the lungs arousing a feeling of tightness i.e. chest congestion along with other allied problem also. Backward bending asanas like ustrasana and chakrasana expands the rib cage, stretches the diaphragm and allows air into lungs freely and deeply. Due to expansion of muscles of chest, diaphragm and ribs, they support deep breathing which delivers more oxygen supply to lungs instead of shallow breathing. In this way backward bending asanas increases chest expansion, improves efficiency of respiratory muscles and eliminates chest congestion.