Undulation Therapy
In Kundalini Yoga, we use wave like movements through the torso in a number of exercises, cat/cow and camel ride are two recognizable ones. This approach in general can be referred to as Undulation Therapy.
Medically speaking bones interface each other with a protective layer called cartilage, a type of tissue that does not have a direct blood supply with arteries and veins. Cartilage is bathed in a fluid called synovial fluid. It has three major responsibilities, lubrication, provide nutrients, and take away toxins. If cartilage does not get sufficient exposure to synovial fluid, it will wear away shrinking up eventually into nothing. When the places where bones articulate no longer have cartilage, movement becomes very painful and dangerous to bones, particularly the vertebrae in the spine.
Movement is the Key
The way to keep bones and cartilage healthy is to get plenty of movement. A really simple way to do that is to create way-like movements. For example, you can move front to back rolling through your spine focusing on getting movement to occur between each pair of vertebrae. You can do this at any speed that is comfortable. In fact, it is a good idea to vary the speed in creative ways but always with a sense of ease. Nothing needs to be forced. Likewise, you can create waves from side to side through your spine.
This video starts with a cat/cow movement and progresses into upward and downward dog. The movements demonstrate fluidity in the spine and that is what we are after.
Cartilage Regenerates with Movement
The good news is that you can start doing undulation at any point in cartilage degeneration and the cartilage will, with persistence, restore itself. The cartilage in your jaw does this many times in your life. It is no different than the cartilage between your vertebrae in your back and neck.
Relieve Stiffness and Feel Young Again with Undulation
If you would like to buy a book on this subject, Anita Boser sells one through Amazon. Anita is a Hellerwork Practitioner in Washington. One of her major goals is to teach as many people as possible about the benefits of Undulation Therapy.
