Jánurásana - Organ and Bowel Health Maintenance

kyusho (68)in #health • 8 years ago (edited)

Posture 12: “Lunge Pose” Jánurásana

As our last posture helped in oxygenation of our blood and brain as well as opening the chest cavity to release pressure from the internal structures and functions of the chest. It was also instrumental in releasing pressure off the internal organs, bowels and pelvic floor. In this next posture, we now work to open greater neurological stimulation into the lower body.

As noted in the prior posture; we go through life with the tendency and natural development of a slouched posture as the spine curves forward at the shoulders and the shoulders themselves close toward the front of the body due to gravity and in most a lack of proper exercise to maintain an upright and correct posture. This brings with it many adverse health issues from mild discomfort to incontinence and constipation, as it causes fatigue, compressed restriction and suffocation of organ and bowel function. This new posture serves to relieve the bowel and organ restriction as it invigorates and maintains these vital functions. This is due not only to the stretching of the lower abdominal region, but more in part from the stretch on the leg and lower torso muscles as well as the lower thoracic and lumbar nerves.

Functionality

These lower spinal nerves stimulate more than just the sensory and motor nerves; they also stimulate the autonomic (automatic functionality), nerves of the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. The parasympathetic is divided into two parts, the cranial at the brain stem area and in our particular posture here; the lower part of the spine called the Sacrum. The sacral section is made up of autonomic nerves from the spinal cord, at the S2, S3 and S4 levels which are responsible for many functions such as; slowing the heart rate, bronchial or air passage constriction, increasing gastric secretions, bladder function (e.g. bladder muscle contraction, release of urine), proper bowel and sexual function (e.g. erectile function and vaginal lubrication).

The sympathetic system is comprised of nerves that are located in the thoracic and lumbar regions of the spinal cord between the Thoracic 1 through Lumbar 2 levels. The sympathetic system is responsible for: increasing your heart rate, increasing blood pressure, increasing respiratory or breathing rate, regulating your temperature, pupil dilation (enlargement), bronchial or air passage dilation, decreasing gastric secretions, bladder function (bladder muscle relaxation, storage of urine) and other aspects of sexual function.

Many organs and tissues also get their nerve supply from nerves that exit from the lumbar spine. These include the large intestines, appendix, male or female reproductive organs, the bladder, prostate gland, and others.

There are also a number of reflexes that are occurring between the spinal nerves and functionality of body and body systems. These reflexes assist; movement of food through the digestive tract, in emptying your bladder, in emptying your bowel, in erection of the penis and in stimulating the flow of secretions from sex glands that lubricate the vagina. If the organs supplied by these nerves are restricted, the possible results include constipation, diarrhea, cramps, varicose veins, bladder problems, menstrual problems, infertility problems, incontinence, urination problems, and poor circulation, among others. This will increase neurological and circulatory function in the genitals as well which can release some issues for men suffering from compression ED.

As you can see from the posture photograph, one leg is brought forward as the other is stretched back. On the stretched leg we see also that the inguinal crease is opened allowing greater blood circulation, stimulation of a dense cluster of lymph nodes and stretching of the leg muscles and nerves. We can also see the lower belly drops to allow further tension of the bladder, bowels, liver, kidneys and diaphragm on that side.

We can also see on the forward leg that the opposite is true and therefore the switching from leg to leg in this posture serves as a gentle lateral and longitudinal internal massage of all these structures. The forward leg position serves to particularly stretch the lower lumbar and sacral areas of the spine on that side, taking pressure off these nerves and relieving restrictions.

From the energetic aspects we can see this posture opens and stretches the perineum and the lower back allowing for the rise of energy (sensory nerve input) to more easily transcend the lower gates of the Shushuma, Ida and Pingala. The transitioning from side to side also stimulates the helical pattern of Ida and Pingala.

“Lunge Pose” Jánurásana

As we complete the prior posture of “Downward Facing Dog” Chatuspadásana the head is brought up as the hips settle and spine straightens. This posture begins to open the spine as we step forward with one leg as it also opens the nerves and Root Chakra at the perineum. Energy and sensory function are allowed to freely transverse the spinal nerves and as they are stretched with muscle pressure released on the lower organs and bowels.

The stretched leg is relaxed as it stretches and releases much of its supportive function (motor nerves) and weight is shifted more to the front leg as it now supports the bulk of the bodyweight. The stretched back leg now mainly balancing the body, relates neurological messaging to the opposite brain while the front supportive leg fires alternating nuero messaging to the other hemisphere. This is the main pumping action for the helical pattern of Ida and Pingala as the stretch on the perineum stimulates the main path of the spinal cord and Shushuma. The opening of the front leg side sacral and lumbar region also serve to stimulate the sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve systems for increased transmission of neural messaging and greater functionality.

The switching action of placing the forward leg back and the back leg forward, switches the helical pattern, energetic, muscular, nervous, lymphatic and circulatory flows. Also occuring is a genteside to side massaging of bowels and organs as it increases the functionality nueral messaging and blood flow into these areas. This pumping and massaging quaility,by increaseing functionality, yields great muscluar control of urinary, eliminatory and sexual systems. With increased concentration on these sublte transitions and sensory aspects, so to is your awareness, sensitivity, control and potential.

The main concentration for spinal stimulation is in the lower throacic, lumbar and sacral areas, however the entire spine also gently shifts side to side, stimulating all spinal nerves and all autonomic as well as motor and sensory functionality. This yields greater physical ability, sensory capability with overall health and increased pleasure potentials.

Breathing and Intention:

From the “Downward Facing Dog” Chatuspadásana posture, inhale deeply through the nose prior to transition into this position, feeling the perineum fill and expand downward. Begin to exhale slowly out of the nose as you drop the hips to straighten the spine and continue the slow measured exhale as one leg is drawn forward.

Maintaining this posture, again inhale deeply feeling the vibrations emanate through the stretched side leg, perineum, torso, arms and palms (as the energy grounds). As you begin to exhale, bring the forward leg back, as you do you will feel the vibrations transition primarily to the spinal column (Shushuma) and radiate over the entire back. As you repeat the breathing and physical actions again on the other side maintain your awareness on the vibratory sensations throughout the actions and structures.

As you increase the awareness of the energies and vibrations, you will begin to also sense more internal vibratory action as well as exterior fields of energy. Carry this new awareness and sensitivity beyond the postures and Yogic practice to everyday life and it will become natural and effortless. You will soon be able to sense vibrations in others and can lead to deeper relations and sensual possibilities with your partners, especially if they are training in similar fashion.