What is the 5th Line?

In Gyrotonic, there is a concept called the “5th Line”.  Rather than a physical place, the 5th line refersto reaching out in all directions from one’s major “power center” located in the lower abdomen.  It can be compared to central currents of electricity that move through the spine, the arms and the legs.  It’s almost like you are a starfish freely and fully; taking up the space within and around you no matter your shape.  The word yoga translates as “union” and 5th Line shares this sense of well being, calm, connection and vitality.

Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis for Back Pain

“Ouch, my back really hurts, can you help?”

PAIN RELIEVING BENEFITS OF GYROTONIC®

The most common therapeutic use of GYROTONIC is in non-specific back pain. (Something very specific is wrong but it is incredibly hard to diagnose and treat). It is has been said that the spine is like a string of beads doing the job of a telephone pole. Alignment is vital to its proper functioning. Tension or lack of mobility at one point affects the whole chain. Often the place where people feel pain is not where the problem originated.

RELIEF FROM CHRONIC BACK PAIN.

The way in which GYROTONIC and GYROKINESIS principles are applied at 5th Line Bodyworks encourage an exploration of the spine. This exploration unravels the problem and fixes it at the same time. You will get to the root cause of your issue.

GYROTONIC stretches and strengthens. Tension will be released in the areas of pain and most importantly, appropriate strength in the corresponding and supporting abdominal musculature will be addressed.

ALLEVIATING SYMPTOMS OF PAIN.

Other causes of chronic pain – diseases like fibromyalgia or multiple sclerosis – are more difficult to treat, because so little is known about them, but many clients credit GYROTONIC with helping to alleviate symptoms. The undulating movement and connected breathing, provide a gentle massage to connective tissues, organs and nerves, and helps pump lymph and cerebro-spinal fluid. These fluids are only circulated when we move. Better circulation of these fluids means your immune system is healthier, your body does a better job of removing wastes and toxins, and your nerve cells are healthier.

HELP WITH ARTHRITIC PAIN.

The same is true of arthritis. The best thing you can do to improve the health of your joints is move, but the pain of moving with arthritis can be very acute. There is no blood supply to the joint surfaces, and they get their nutrition from the fluid inside the joint, which circulates when you move. This process is impaired in an arthritic person. GYROTONIC® takes pressure off the joints, making movements less painful and also helps lubricate fluid into the joints. This means your joints have more cushioning and better access to nutrients after every session.

What is a chakra and why is balancing them important?

The word “Chakra” literally means “wheel” or “disk” so this term refers to wheels of energy in the body. There are seven main chakras, which align the spine, starting from the base of the spine through to the crown of the head.

Each of the major chakras is associated with a gland and major nerve plexus and governs the area of the physical body in which it is found. By influencing the endocrine system and its hormones, the chakras affect the functioning and structure of the tissues of the body, including the organs.

The chakras are also associated with various aspects of our experience on the emotional, mental and spiritual levels. To visualize a chakra in the body, imagine a swirling wheel of energy where matter and consciousness meet. This invisible energy, called Prana, is vital life force, which keeps us vibrant, healthy, and alive.

Since everything is moving, it’s essential that our seven main chakras stay open, aligned, and fluid. If there is a blockage, energy cannot flow. There are many things one can do to help rebalance chakras – meditation, certain types of movement including Gyrotonic, Yoga, and more.  More information is available here at the Chopra Center.  

Here is a chart showing the chakras and their meanings