Engaging the Subtle Body: Pelvic & Diaphragm Tension Bands

The seven myofascial tension bands universally situate in all human bodies, which arguably could be proof that we are all one. These connective tissue bands are unnatural straps holding tension just under the skin’s surface in the outer layer of fascia. Over time and without awareness, this tension continues to move inward toward the inner layer of fascia surrounding the organic system.

Lack of movement, which inhibits the capillary circulation, hardens our connective tissue, particularly in these locations. The following subtle Yoga Actions will begin to open and hydrate the two pelvic bands (pubic bone and inguinal) and the diaphragm band.

SEATED BADDHA KONASANA 5M

• Sit on a bolster with a foam block between the wall and your thoracic spine.

YOGA ACTIONS:

1)  Find the Pelvic Diamond (pubic bone in front, sit bones on side, tail bone in back)
Draw a line down its centre from pubic bone to tail bone.
       BALANCE the 2 triangles of this diamond.
2) OPEN the Cave of the Heart (located just behind the xypoid process and in front of the spine).
3) Observe and then BALANCE the breath in the upper and lower abdominal cavities.

VIRASANA   3M

YOGA ACTIONS:
– complete the Yoga Actions above, and then find the –

1. PUBIC BONE strap: runs from the tailbone-sacral joint around the outer trochanters and upper thighs and along the sides of the pubic bone.  
2. INGUINAL strap: runs from the sacral-lumbar joint around to the front edges of the hips, connecting in front a couple of inches above the pubic bone.
3. DIAPHRAGM strap: runs from the dorsal thoracic hinge around the rib cage to the bottom centre of the sternum.                   

Continue to find the Yoga Actions in the following poses.

QUAD STRETCH @ WALL   2M EA 
– shin and front of foot are in contact with the wall.
– hands on floor or blocks or thighs

CHAIR BHARAVAJASANA TWIST   3M EA  
– pelvis and legs remain stationary; rib cage twists.

BOLSTER UPAVISTHA KONASANA     3M EA 
1)  UPRIGHT seated on a bolster
2)  Forward fold (off or on bolster) 

SAVASANA 5-10M

For more yoga actions and teachings, click here. Namaste.