The following appeared in the “Empowerment Zone” newsletter published by The Spinal Bifida Association in the March-April 2009 edition and was written by Bonnie Pariser.
What is Structural Yoga Therapy?
The foundation of Structural Yoga Therapy is the Joint
Freeing Series. This series is composed of particular joint
movements done in harmony with the rhythmical movement
of breath. These movements have been organized
from top to bottom and work each joint and many of the
surrounding muscles. This brings spaciousness to the
joints, redefines the range of motion, and helps to
strengthen weak muscles similar to the results of physical
therapy.
Our bodies benefit greatly from making small repetitive
motions which stretch and tone antagonist muscles as
practiced in the JFS. For example, if you are bending
your elbow you are both toning the biceps and mildly
stretching the triceps. When you straighten the elbow,
you are stretching the biceps and strengthening the triceps.
Every movement in the JFS works this way; stretching and toning the muscles on the opposite side of the
limbs or trunk. As we move through the series we may notice one side of our body is stronger or more flexible
then the other, or there is pain on one side but not the other. Through this process, we begin to really know our
bodies and to have the potential to correct these imbalances because we are aware of them. We may also choose,
in a home practice, to do more movements on the weaker side to bring it up to the level of the stronger side.
When a weak muscle is strengthened, it helps reduce the compensation we may engage in to override weaknesses.
This allows compensating muscles a chance to rest. In addition, the antagonist muscles start to become
more flexible.
The Joint Freeing Series is also used to increase prana. Prana is defined as “life force”. It is brought in to the
body with the breath, and is the force that animates us. As we develop awareness of our breath and physical self,
we develop and increase prana. The very act of awareness changes the state of that which you are aware.
When we do the JFS, we bring mindfulness to the movements by combining them with breathing and
awareness of sensations in our body. People with limited breath capacity
may find an increased energy from this type of work.
When I teach the Joint Freeing Series, I encourage my students to be aware
of the part of the body that feels the movements. I want them to understand
the sensation in terms of the senses. For example, is the feeling sharp, dull,
warm or cold? Is there a color associated with the feeling? I train the
participants to notice everything. This shifts the participant’s energy, from
what it was previous to the movements, to a heightened state of awareness
and concentration, which in conjunction with the movements and rhythmical breathing, greatly reduces stress,
worry and tension throughout the entire body. From this reduction, range of motion naturally increases, and
stress related aches and pains are greatly diminished.
The mindful nature of this practice is emphasized over physical ability. The JFS can be practiced while standing,
sitting, or lying down; all with the same effectiveness. Movements can be imagined rather then performed,
or an assistant can move a practitioner through the motions. The action of moving the body thru the yoga
positions helps to keep the immune system strong by keeping lymph flowing and increasing circulation. By
combining breathing and the Joint Freeing Series, participants experience that it enhances their quality of life,
reduces pain, and helps to develop an inner calmness.
Bonnie Pariser, has been teaching yoga for 12 years and practicing yoga therapy for the past 3 years. She is
the owner of the Yoga-Loka studio, and founder of the Karuna River alliance, a non-profit organization
designed to bring yoga therapy to a wide variety of individuals who might otherwise not have access to it.
