Down in the Back?
When I was a child my parents would sometimes announce, after a period of physical work, that they were "Down in the Back". By their reaction to it my young mind had the impression that this was one of the worst states to be in.
Pattern of Imbalance
Whatever we call it today who hasn't experienced the debilitation of low back pain? Simple activities can bring us to our knees so to speak. Often times the pain comes out of nowhere, or so we think. Actually our pain may be a long time in the making. It just isn't noticable until some action pushes us past some threshold where the imbalance comes into our awareness. For many some injury, recent or past, created an imbalance. Our bodies react to the imbalance causing changes throughout the body. The result is that state we often just call "Out of Whack". We sense something is off but we don't know what to do about it.
Whatever the cause the resulting pain can be a nagging distraction or it can fully consume us. Either way our ability to navigate daily life becomes impaired.
Why is Low Back Pain so Common?
Our lumbar spine, the five vertebrae that sit on top of the pelvis, seem to bear the brunt of abuse from heavy lifting, stooping, and twisting. Also pelvis is an area with so many muscles and ligaments controlling so many complex movements. The pelvic bones can be easily tilted or rotated by certain muscles tightening. When the pelvis is imbalanced everything above it is out of balance as well. The pelvis can be thought of as the base of a large pyramid.
Muscle tension is our bodies way of protecting us. When a threat of injury is perceived muscle tightening is the bodies way of decreasing our mobility, making a splint around an area to protect it from injury. The threat can be anything beyond our comfort level: a sudden twist, a stooping action, stress on the spine from heavy lifting. This is an important protective device. However when the threat has passed the body often forgets to let go of the tension.
What Can Ortho-Bionomy Do?
Ortho-Bionomy "shows" the body what it is doing. By gently positioning the body for comfort, awareness is increased. Going "with" the body rather than against it creates comfort. Rather than forcing the body where we think it should be Ortho-Bionomy supports what the body is already doing. The comfortable positions help the body and mind to realize that the threat has passed, the protective tension can be released.
Ortho-Bionomy works on the principle that given awareness of what it is doing the body can balance and heal itself.
What is a Session Like?
The practitioner assesses the body to identify it's tension patterns. Gentle positioning and movement are provided to "allow" tension to let go. The experience is often quite relaxing. Tension and stress seem to melt away. After the session many people notice improved posture and areas of pain usually show relief. An improved sense of well-being is common.
Is Ortho-Bionomy Safe?
Although Ortho-Bionomy facilitates healing on the deepest levels it is gentle and safe. The focus is on going where the body wants to go, where it's comfortable. Force is never used. Ortho-Bionomy is a "pain free" option for dealing with your pain.
For more about Ortho-Bionomy check out the Ortho-Bionomy FAQ.
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Ric Chamberlin
Registered Practitioner of Ortho-Bionomy®
Licensed Massage Therapist
402 850 0752
info@omahahealingconnection.com
Ortho-Bionomy® and the Sand Dollar design are registered trademarks of the Society of Ortho-Bionomy International, Inc. and are used with permission.
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