BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN YOGA AND FUNCTIONAL MOVEMENT PART 1
What do Yoga and Functional Movement (FM) have in common?
In Sanskrit the word Yoga is derived from the root “yul” meaning “to control,” ” to unite,” and “to join;” meaning whole. There are many paths in yoga, all of which lead us to the same ultimate destination; which is optimal health and wellness in body and mind and a connection with something greater then ourselves. Functional movement aims to achieve the same destination, but does so through a more scientific modality. One rooted in understanding the approach to freedom in movement through the application of transformational biomechanics.
Let’s take a closer look at the fundamentals of both Yoga & Functional Movement (FM):
- Yoga: Anamayakosha – the physical body and its systems.
- FM: biomechanics, anatomy & physiology of the human body
- Yoga: Pranamayakosha – the energy body and breath
- FM: deep diaphragmatic breathing & energy flow distribution
- Yoga: Manomayakosha – the psychoemotional body
- FM: sports psychology & emotional mechanics
- Yoga: Vijnyanamayakosha – the watcher state or higher mind
- FM: visualization & skill attainment
- Yoga: Anandamayakosha – the bliss body, higher consciousness and the enlightened state
- FM: homeostasis & equilibrium, in mind, body & spirit
As a health practitioner of movement coaching we focus on aligning the body, and controlling movement through the use of transforming negative restrictions or “bio mechanical breakdowns” into symmetrical movement patterns. These movements are based on real-life situational biomechanics that affect us daily. They usually involve gross motor movement involving multi-joint movements that prepare the body for real life developments; which also place a high demand on the body’s core, segmental stabilizers and innervation of the body processes.
Yoga and Yoga therapeutics have been a growing niche market of the Western Yoga World for many years and with more teachers becoming more educated on human anatomy and physiology and more health practitioners understanding the benefits that Yoga modalities can have both mentally and physically on their clients, it’s easy to see the direct connection between the two disciplines. Both aim to teach on-going adaptation; which is required for people to remain injury free, and to maintain freedom of movement and peace of mind.
Join us next week as we look at the role of Yoga therapeutics and transformational biomechanics in rehabilitating back pain, a common issue in today’s society. Your spine will thank you! Namaste!
