When I was in Japan, I regularly attended acupuncture practices with several groups. So, if I had some health issues, I could get treated as a guinea pig. Here in the Hague, I have no such groups so far. So, I should take good care of my self.
To maintain myself, I run and practice Tai Chi and Qigong regularly. When it rains, I lately practice Yoga at home instead. In addition to these, I started GYROKINESIS® last week.
Description of GYROKINESIS® quoted from my teacher's HP: Breathe & Move↓
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The GYROKINESIS® method was originally called Yoga for Dancers. It is practiced on a chair and on a mat. This method works for the entire body through natural elements of spinal movement. Synchronizing with calming breathing patterns, and rhythmic movements, it addresses the whole body, opening the energy pathways, stimulating the nervous system, oxygenate the blood, and increasing range of motions. It is an original and unique method including main components of swimming, dance, yoga, tai chi, and gymnastics.
This might sound familiar to many acupuncturists and Tai Chi/Qigong practitioners. The concept is similar, especially for SEIDO acupuncturists as it focuses on the spinal movements.
A spine is an indicator of body's health state. A healthy body has a healthy spine. This does not mean it must be a perfect shape like a skeletal specimen. Each body works differently. A person with severe scoliosis can be in a perfectly healthy state.
When a body has some problems, the movement of spine is distracted. When it becomes chronic, the space between vertebrae gets compressed. If this continues for long term, the vertebrae starts to degenerate. It gets harder and harder to move. This is one example of the pain spiral.
Many people believe "I cannot move because it hurts." However, in many cases, it is the other way around. "It hurts because you don't move." But, be careful here. You should not keep moving while you are in pain. So, what should you do?
The GYROKINESIS® tells you to lengthen the spine and allow space between each vertebra when doing the sequences. Lengthening the spine and move within the range without pain is one thing you can do to get out from the pain spiral. Tai Chi/Qigong and Yoga all tells you the same but they focus more on moves or pauses. So, it is difficult to keep practicing when you are experiencing pain. I personally feels easier to focus on lengthening the spine when practicing the GYROKINESIS®. It is recommended for people struggling with pain. I practice for the prevention purpose.
So far, I mainly talked about pain. However, a spine indicates other health states as well. For example, when someone is suffering from mental issues, spaces between cervical and upper thoracic vertebrae tend to get compressed. When someone is suffering form digestive issues, spaces between lower thoracic vertebrae tend to get compressed. When someone is suffering from gynecological issues or urogenital issues, spaces between lumbar vertebrae tend to get compressed.
Acupuncture is good for treating many health issues and also for prevention. Combining acupuncture, self care exercises, and good eating habit is recommended for everyone.