Spine health

Spongy intervertebral discs separate each skeletal vertebrae with softness and flexibility to absorb shocks and permit flexibility. Excessive strain can cause a bulge (herniated disc) as I experienced. Another contributor is age when gel-like substance in these discs starts to diminish and thereby flatten the disc. Over time, this can be a degenerative issue (hence old age shortening in height).

Invertebral discs need hydration

How to keep these discs as hydrated and young as possible? As we age, the amount of water in our bodies decreases. Disc dehydration is a direct result of a dramatic decrease in circulating proteoglycan molecules that hold water in the discs. Causes of this loss are nutritionally-based.

Since the discs are avascular (no blood supply), how do the discs get nutrients? Their source is in the adjacent blood capillary beds, where nutrients diffuse through to the disc. If the blood vessels are damaged or there is a blockage, the nutrient supply gets cut off, resulting in disc dehydration. To me, this points to the culprit being too much pressure on the spine.

Elogate the spine daily

Good spine health includes keeping the spine as elongated as possible, repeatedly, which is less pressure on discs. This is part of my daily yoga effect. Practicing good posture while sitting and standing, not only in yoga, also helps. Strengthening the supporting neck, shoulder and back muscles will help to give the spine extra support. Especially during a Headstand (sirsasana), it’s important to set up the base of the shoulders and upper back to support the body so that all pressure doesn’t go to the neck, and also to continue to elongate the spine by extending the legs upward.

Inversions stimulate Nervous and Lymphatic systems

When set up properly, you gain the benefits of Headstand—from healing, to balance, to the physical and subtle body. Headstands specifically reverse the pull of gravity on the organs, reverse the blood flow to stimulate the Nervous System, rejuvenate the lower body as de-oxygenated blood flows more easily to extremities, stimulating the Lymphatic System to remove toxins and improve cognitive abilities.

Headstand also strengthens neck muscles. Too little pressure will also dehydrate the disc, so it’s important to use your spine!

Headstands heal stress

Favorite yoga pose for the Endocrine System: Headstand (sirsasana). Headstands stimulate and provide refreshed blood to the pituitary gland, harmonizing hormones and Nervous System. Headstand provides wonderful natural benefits in dissolving stress, sadness, depression and lethargy.  

I joke with my yoga teacher that my brain is my worst body part, as it complicates everything and triggers my heart, cutting through anger first. Of course, I'm referring to my overthinking mind and incessant thoughts. My thinking brain makes me feel heavy. How do my glands interplay? My overthinking mind directly affects my hypothalamus and pituitary, and therefore regulation of my Nervous System. I feel this as stress.

Science confirms yoga reduces Cortisol

According to the Endocrine Society, yoga helps reduce the levels of blood Cortisol, the stress hormone, and modifies hormone levels in healthy people or those with endocrine disorders. It was proven to show significant results with yoga 7 consecutive days. It is indicated that “Ultimately, further research is needed to elucidate the effects of yoga on endocrine physiology and stress response in humans." (Source: Endocrine.org)