We practice inversion therapy and have benefited in many ways. Not only does it make our spines feel better, relaxes our muscles, increases circulation and flow of the lymph system, it just makes us feel better all over. The lymph system does not have a pump like the heart, so we must do things to get it going and moving. The lymph system is responsible for flushing the wastes out of the body and a build up of this waste can make you sick. A few minutes a day on the inversion table, and we feel stretched as if there was more ‘space’ in our bodies.
We are in an upright position most of our lives and one of the negative affects of gravity results in compression of the spine. Until inversion tables and chairs came along, we used slant boards, or stood on our heads. However, a headstand done improperly could cause injury to your neck. Fortunately, for those of us who cannot perform headstands, there are inversion products on the market that make it easy, safe and convenient to get the benefits of inversion therapy.
Compression of the spine is one of the many causes of back pain, and inverting as little as 25 degrees a few minutes a day can bring about significant results. This is especially true if you sit at a computer all day or spend a lot of time in the car. Inversion takes pressure off nerve roots, weight bearing joints, ligaments, takes care of spinal discs, and elongates the spine. It is rejuvenating to the spine and entire body, relieves stress, improves circulation and oxygen to the brain, (who doesn’t need more blood and oxygen to the brain!), speeds up the cleansing of blood and lymph fluids, reduces the effects of aging, decongests internal organs, stretches and aligns the spine, reduces pain, strengthens ligaments and provides a sense of overall well being.
The New England Journal of Medicine reported in 1994 that 31 million Americans experience low back pain at any given time. Another report estimates that Americans spend over 50 billion dollars a year on back pain.
Needless to say, taking care of your spine is paramount to your health. Some tips on preventing back pain and the care of your spine include being active, maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle, make sure your mattress is not too soft, wear comfortable low heeled shoes, warm up before exercising and any physical activity, lift heavy objects with your knees and quit smoking. Smoking restricts blood flow depriving spinal tissues of oxygen and nutrients. And, by all means, invert!
If you have a spinal injury or health problems, be sure to consult your health care provider to make sure inversion therapy is for you.
