Scapulohumeral Rhythm Daily Bandha 2015-10-09 | The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body. It is a combination of several articulations: the glenohumeral, scapulothoracic, sternoclavicular, and acromioclavicular joints. Each of these contributes to shoulder and arm movement via a process known as joint “coupling.” For example, when you raise the arms over the head in Urdhva Hastasana, the clavicle pivots on the sternum (breastbone), the scapula rotates on the chest wall, and the head of the humerus moves within the shoulder joint. All of these work together simultaneously in what is known as scapulohumeral rhythm. In general, 60 degrees of this action comes from movement of the shoulder blade on the chest wall (scapulothoracic motion) and 120 degrees from the ball and socket of the shoulder (glenohumeral motion). During this process, the clavicle rotates on its long axis approximately 25 degrees and the humerus externally rotates about 45 degrees. Scapulohumeral rhythm is illustrated in the video below, with a breakdown of scapulo-thoracic and gleno-humeral contributions to the entire movement. http://www.dailybandha.com/2011/04/shoulder-kinematics-in-yoga.html
Diaphragmatic (Belly) Breathing Daily Bandha 2015-08-11 | In diaphragmatic breathing, you will actively expand the abdomen during inhalation and then relax on exhalation. The abdominal expansion occurs via the diaphragm contracting and pressing down on the abdominal contents. Chest expansion is kept at a minimum in this type of breathing. Regular practice of diaphragmatic breathing draws the mental focus into what is known as the “belly brain”. It has a calming effect on the mind while, at the same time, potentially strengthening the diaphragm. I recommend practicing diaphragmatic breathing for 5-10 minutes per day. To learn more about diaphragmatic breathing and motion of the diaphragm, click on http://www.dailybandha.com/2015/08/diaphragmatic-belly-breathing.html
Protecting the knee in reverse pigeon pose. Daily Bandha 2013-12-24 | http://www.dailybandha.com/2013/10/protecting-knee-in-pigeon-pose.htmlhttp://www.dailybandha.com/2013/12/healing-with-yoga-piriformis-syndrome.htmlhttp://www.dailybandha.com/2013/10/the-piriformis-muscle-and-yoga-part-i.html
Stretching the Piriformis Muscle with Reverse Pigeon Pose Daily Bandha 2013-10-15 | http://www.dailybandha.com/2013/10/the-piriformis-muscle-and-yoga-part-i.htmlhttp://www.bandhayoga.comWhen viewing the video, note how flattening the back moves the origin of the piriformis on the sacrum further away from its insertion on the femur, thus accentuating and refining the stretch. This is an example of lumbar-pelvic and femoral-pelvic rhythm. The last section of the video, where we have digitally hidden one half of the pelvis to expose the movement of the sacrum, illustrates this concept. Learn more about joint rhythm in our post "Preventative Strategies for Lower Back Strains in Yoga." - http://www.dailybandha.com/2012/01/preventative-strategies-for-lower-back.html
Using the Lats to Lift the Back and Expand the Chest in Sukhasana Daily Bandha 2011-07-28 | This video illustrates a tip for using the latissimus dorsi to lift the back and expand the chest in Sukhasana (simple cross legged pose). The cue is to fix the hands onto the knees and attempt to draw back. The hands won't move so the action of the muscle lifts the back and expands the chest forward. for more into see http://www.dailybandha.com
The Shoulder in Pigeon Pose Daily Bandha 2011-04-18 | This video illustrates the shoulder in Pigeon Pose, with the various joints and muscles. http://www.bandhayoga.com/keys_shoulder1.html
Joint Reaction Forces in Padmasana (Lotus Pose) Daily Bandha 2011-02-04 | This video illustrates the concept of joint reaction forces and how tight internal hip rotators can translate to pressure within the knee. A small amount of release in the hip translates to opening and relief of pressure in the knee. copyright 2007 Bandha Yoga www.bandhayoga.com
Homunculus Daily Bandha 2011-01-31 | Sculptural illustration of the motor homunculus by Chris Macivor. Used with permission of Bandha Yoga, copyright 2007. http://www.dailybandha.com/2011/01/mindbody-connection-in-yoga.html http://www.bandhayoga.com
