Preparation for Tuesday Bones for Life with Cynthia, March 12, 2024

 Questions for Cynthia: I have two general categories of questions. 

The first category: 1. Several specific people are interested in what I am doing, and already are in physical therapy. A. One uses a walker and I have recommended the 20% or less is more concept, soft knees, and heel tapping, scooping chest, pulses on the floor with one knee in standing and next will introduction Roman Sandals, so far they seem to have improved her overall ability to stay upright, stand taller, and walk longer and reduce knee pain. In the past we have done chair yoga together but the spiraling aspect of any yoga provoked pain. She is under the care of a physician and does get an ok for any of these movements. I have advised her about this program and the concerns about fragility of bones and the need to be careful. Profession Comments?  B. Another friend has been in PT for the last 2 years for impingement syndrome and has improved in terms of foot numbness. I have suggested added the Heel Tap, Wave Mechanics on the Floor, Chest Scoop and Bow and Arrow. They relieve discomfort. He is wondering about the use of an antigravity board, I thought that it might offer relief from discomfort but that he still would need to retrain “somatic” retrain in order to have more consistent relief. What do you think? C. Myself: All of the processes are incredible, sometimes I find myself doing the processes kind of randomly because they just feel good. I can consistently do the Heel Bounce, Wave while on the Floor, one leg standing, Hip stabilization and Roman Sandals. Besides the recommendations for 20%, and to notice changes, is there a series of movements you recommend to begin with or just generally, all the Immersion I movements every day or every other day, or spread them out over the week. There is so much to process, and every time I do one of the processes I learn something new. How much time or is there a time limit on how long to do the process?

And the second general question has to do with my understanding of the Professional Tract Course Outcomes for Immersion 1, because the whole concept of Bones for Life is a Learning Process over a lifetime, I think my answers here are limited in comparison to what we are actually working on. What do you think about my brief take on “Outcomes”

Participant will be able to:

Perform 5 Bones for Life (R) movement processes needed to secure a sense of safety for the vulnerable joints of the spine, Knees, hips and shoulder:

    1. Spiraling the spine 2. Knee supports knee 3. Bow and arrow 4. Bicycle 5. Knot on the wall

Describe the significance of developing strategies for organizing posture into a continuous alignment of a “domino-like” effect.

      2. Promotes stability, overall strength, increased bone density because now gravity and movement are combined to allow the bones to become more dynamic. One thing moves, like the neck as a result of movement in a place (like the chest) that makes it, in my subjective experience, like the bones and space between the bones are starting to breathe.

List 4 basic tenets of the Bone for Life (R) program and discuss how they directly relate to the services of those working in the field of massage and bodywork, specifically in education, professional competence and self-care.

        3. In massage and bodywork, it can help to integrate the work that is done in those fields to create a more long lasting effect, for instances 1. Organization of the gait (observe differences before and after. 2. Smart more efficient movement, in the sense that instead of rushing around, you can notice the effect of a movement, in the case of the work place to start to pay attention to when movements or lack of movement start to deprive the movement, as in sitting or driving or work postures.  3. Continuous awareness of function/dysfunction and healthier ways to move through space and using the language at work and in everyday life that invites oneself and ones colleagues toward a healthier lifestyle. 4. Less is more, the 20% or less idea, is extremely important, efficiency is sometimes seen as only getting more done, this concept is one of conservation and intention which overall seems like a good way to live life.

Discuss how pressure and rhythm are used to enhance skeletal alignment and bio mechanical functions. 

        4. This brings back functional movment and movement without causing harm and for example Bouncing on Heels brings with body in contact with gravity with increases bone density (Wolff’s Lines for the skeletal development)

State how power and direction impact structure and function.

        5. Example would be walking gait and distribution/balance with every step and awareness of one’s body in space, improves stability.

Perform 3 Bones for Life (R) movement processes that alter and enhance the organization of the rib cage and thoracic sine.

        6.  A. Scooping chest (I found it helps upper thoracic spine). B. Hand pushes wall spiraling the spine. C. Knot on the wall is a kind of weight bearing posture, and D. Crossed Arms increases awareness of thoracic cavity and for me contrasts the “scoop” on the chest, plus “pounding”