Asymmetric body balancing is the combined use of both Paul St. John’s neuromuscular therapy and hatha yoga to find relief from pain or discomfort and acquire homeostasis and equilibrium. Asymmetric body balancing is often associated with holistic medicine because it attempts to treat the cause of the symptoms and not just the symptoms themselves.
Paul St. John and his pain treatment center, created in 2004, use the most modern non-invasive techniques to focus on the relationship between muscles, ligaments, fascia, soft tissue, and the nervous system. By understanding the nature of alignment and symmetry in the body, St. John’s treatments are able to treat the underlying causes of pain. It’s this understanding that blends so well with Iyengar yoga as a complementary treatment, as it strengthens muscles and increases circulation which promotes healing.
Iyengar yoga is commonly associated with asymmetric body balancing. This follows the more traditional form of hatha yoga known as ashtanga yoga. This form of yoga is used to calm the mind, the intellect, and the ego while aligning the body.
Asymmetric body balancing originates from the concept of the body as it is and not as it should be. The first step to obtaining balance in any part of your life is an acceptance of how things are. Once you see things as they are you can balance the outer body with the energies of the inner body to create an overall feeling of balance or well being.
The ideas and teachings of asymmetric body balancing through both of these schools of thought are made popular through a lot of ergonomically friendly tools. Keeping wrists elevated is an attempt to balance the activity of typing against the tendency to let the wrists drop. Lumbar support in cars and chairs are designed to support the back muscles against the damage sitting for long periods can do.
If you think that you’re too stiff or maybe in too much pain to practice these techniques you should talk to your health care professional. In many cases asymmetric body balancing through therapy and yoga will help you regain some flexibility. Yoga should never be a competition is always a practice. Focus on what you can do today for a better feeling of well-being tomorrow.