Commentary by Dr. Justin Brink:
Postural cues will do nothing if there is a muscle imbalance or insufficient flexibility. So as a prerequisite for the “neural drive” you must make it EFFORTLESS for the body to assume and maintain a certain position – which is achieved by the control of muscles and the movability of fascia. This is evidenced by the postural changes brought about by yoga training. Yogis do not become straight and tall because of some constant obsession with posture, it just happens automatically when the obstructions and “brakes” are removed. Same holds true for correcting one’s pelvic tilt (either anterior or posterior).
Bones act, muscles react . Cueing well is very important – but retracting the scapulae thereby encouraging anterior tilt at the pelvis is not optimal cueing – and will not permit good function of the diaphragm and stimulate the deep stabilizing system.
The afferent information which comes from the head position, hand position and foot position/loading will all affect the position of the central tendon of the diaphragm and therefore the way the fibers of the diaphragm act. To stimulate good stabilization requires space at the key joints – through synergistic activity of the internal and external rotators. This stimulation comes from appropriate loading at the hands (when quadruped or on all fours) and at the feet. As well as the position of the coccyx (tail bone area) and occiput (head area).
This activity will allow the nervous system to know that support is required, and the body will provide it, ahead of moving. Good movement is not possible without good support. It is good support that we need to establish when we are re-educating the nervous system. This comes from checking key developmental patterns, and allowing the system to find these, get to know these and to benefit from the stimulation that these provide. It comes from using variety and complexity in your daily routines and exercises. A collapsed system will not simply ‘uncollapse’ from simple cueing – it needs a veritable feast of stimulation along with renewed understanding.
Read Arianna Hoffman’s article here.
