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Cheryl Thomas, RYT
www.cherylthomas.com yoga@cherylthomas.com 415-308-3377 |
Wringing out the Organs
I know you've heard it. I have. I've said it. "Twists wring out the internal organs. After releasing the twist, fresh blood rushes in, like squeezing a sponge." Makes sense to me. But, dang. The more I learn about anatomy, physiology and the practice of yoga the more I begin to question some of these "rote" comments that get thrown around. Is "wringing out the organs" a good thing?
Amy Matthew, co-author with Leslie Kaminoff of Yoga Anatomy, gives her opinion based on her experience teaching anatomy and kinesiology for over 15 years. Amy states: "There are a number of ways that a statement like 'twists wring out the organ' is inaccurate and incomplete if we are looking at the anatomy and physiology of the visceral organs (the organs in the thoracic, abdominal and pelvic cavities)." There's a difference between moving the organ around in its cavity and "wringing it out." There are two ways an organ can "move". Mobility (with a "b") is how the organs move in relationship to one another. Motility (with a "t") is the movement within an organ, like the beating of the heart or contractions of the stomach.
As we twist, the shape of the torso cavities (thoracic, abdominal and pelvic) is changed and the organs encased in those cavities move in relationship to each other. According to Amy, "The organs are positioned in the body in such a way that each organ moves in a different plane in space, and no single movement - twisting, flexing/extending, side bending - will mobilize every organ."
The motility (with a "t") of an organ is affected by other factors, like the nervous system and the endocrine system. Twisting, yes, could affect not only the mobility of an organ, but could "make more motility available in the organ . . . but the two do not necessarily go together (even if more motility would actually be desirable in the organ)" Increasing mobility can increase blood flow which brings in nutrients and oxygen and takes away by-products. This is a good thing, but how much is enough/too much. Amy posits that "balance is more important than constantly increasing blood flow, and at some point too much circulation is not helpful."
Regarding digestion, the mobility will actually help with motility. Because the digestive organs are responsible for moving their contents (from mouth to anus), mobility can help the contents move through. In the case of constipation, twists can help mobilize the abdomen and be helpful with "moving things along", says Amy. However, it will not help with better absorption.
So, enjoy your twists and fold and bends, knowing that your organs are getting a massage, one way or another.
Want to read some of my previous articles? You can do it here. Enjoy.
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Did You Know?
More arial yoga! Amy Charnay is starting at
On 1/11 Anne O'Brien starts her monthly Spa/Yoga Day at Solage in Calistoga. You can enjoy a fabulous class with Ms. O'Brien and then luxuriate in the spa, pool, hot tubs, workout rooms and lounge area. Lunch? To register contact Donavan at Solage: 707-226-0828 or donavan.almond@aubergeresorts.com
There are still a few more spots in Judith Lasater's Relax and Renew restorative yoga teacher training. It's a Mt. Madonna from 1/10-1/14. Now is the time. I'll be there assisting Ms. Lasater (yay!) . More info here.
Get boat loads of yoga information and lots of free downloads from YogaU online. Really, tons. It's a great resource for teachers and students.
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Chill Out-Bliss Out
Liz Levy and I had a sold out crowd at Westside Yoga today for our Self-Massage/Restorative Yoga Workshop. We got to knead our muscles, roll on tennis balls and pull on our toes! We finished with a hour of rest. We enjoyed warm tea and Liz's famous goat cheese. Thanks to everyone who came. We are looking forward do doing this quarterly. You'll be the first to know.
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Departing Space Station Commander Provides Tour of Orbital Laboratory
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Wild Hair in Space
Love Kottke.org. Here's a 25 minute tour of the International Space Station. Hum, I thought they compensated for gravity in the space station. Very interesting Check it out.
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Advanced Studies - Teacher Training Program
If you've ever considered taking a Yoga Teacher Training program, the stars have just aligned for you. Yoga by by Design in Petaluma with the expert guidance of local legend, Tony Briggs, is holding a teacher training beginning in January 2013.
Do you wonder about the differences between teacher training programs? Good, you should. They are not all created equal. This program has teachers who I would (and do) seek out to train with "individually". So, a training that includes all of them is stellar. These are senior, seasoned, respected, local and international teachers. Who? Tony Briggs, Anne O'Brien, Richard Rosen, Ann Dyer, Ulrika Engman and more! And, I have the great opportunity to be included with this impressive group. I have been asked to present the Restorative Yoga module.
Maybe you don't want to teach, but want to extend your knowledge of the practice and learn more about the philosophy, anatomy and grounding in the principles of yoga. This is the perfect opportunity.
I know, life if busy and funds are short. They've made it easy and affordable. Classes will be on Friday evenings and Saturday and Sunday afternoons for 4 months. Want more info? Of course you do. Contact Yoga by Design at 707-762-7678, email is postwellnessbydesign@gmail.com, website is www.postwellnessbydesign.com (click on the Advanced Teacher's Training link on the left hand side, or just click here. Of course you can go to Tony Briggs's site at www.tonybriggsyoga.com or you can ask me any questions at cheryl@cherylthomas.com.
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Be Happy on Friday's
Instead of shots of tequila and fried artichoke hearts, spend your Friday happy hour moving and grooving at an all-levels vinyasa flow class.
I am honored and excited to be offered another class at Westside Yoga Studio. On Friday's from 4:30 - 6:00, we'll end each week with an energetic vinyasa flow class. Through building heat from the inside, we'll strip out the stress hormones from the day. A long rest at the end of class will reset our nervous system and prepare us for our weekend.
You'll be done at 6:00!! That'll leave plenty of time for dinner with friends, a movie or a relaxing evening with your pooch. Or, maybe a Chia filled Kombucha or that 100% agave margarita!
NOTE- January 11 is cancelled due to Teacher Training at the studio. (About) Once a month thereafter, this class will meet from 5:30 - 7:00 due to scheduled teacher training. Please see either my schedule or Westside's site.
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Restorative Yoga 
I love the response of students to their first or second or hundredth restorative yoga experience. It's the moment when their nervous system shifts from "yikes!" to "ahhhhhh." They leave with relaxed shoulders and brightened attitude.
It's easy to forget that the body knows exactly what to do. The relaxation response is a built in function of our amazing central nervous system. We just have to let relaxation happen. I know, it seems impossible sometimes. Thus, the popularity of restorative yoga where we learn to put the body in positions and let it do it's thing.
Every Monday
7:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Westside Yoga, Sebastopol
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Get Your Girlfriends Together
It's fun to get friends together. Treat your friends to Yoga and Tea rather than Food and Booze. Inviting friends to come together for a Gentle or Restorative Yoga class is a perfect way to enjoy each other's company and do something good for yourselves. Many yoga parties end with tea or champagne and some munchies. Your friends will thank you!
Please call on me if I can help you book a private yoga class or answer any questions. I can be reached at cheryl@cherylthomas.com.
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Schedule of Upcoming Classes
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