It might be hard to believe but inversion therapy has been around for quite some time. As a matter of fact, archaeologists have uncovered evidence that points to its existence and uses in the Stone Age. The thought in your mind right now is probably one of torture. How is one being suspended upside down fun? Who would want to be in such a position? Well, inversion therapy has over the years evolved to a much safer and much comfortable form of therapy. Today, you have the luxury of using inversion tables, gravity boots and some yoga techniques like the down dog or Dolphin pose. The reasoning behind these tools and techniques is the same – the head is below the heart.
Dedicate several minutes in a day to this technique and you will experience a considerable drop in middle and back pain and several other health benefits. But before we get into them, what exactly does an inversion table do?
How inversion tables work
They are not glorified tables if that’s what you are thinking. They actually do live up to the hype that they have created for themselves. Generally, they are used to safely dip your body head first. The effects that this dipping or tilting has are tremendous. Studies and research show that taking up this upside down position reverses the pull of gravity on the spine, stretching them and relieving some pressure and pain. Doctors have a technical term for it – “spinal decompression.”
With the increased space between the vertebrae, the discs regain flexibility and moisture opening you up to a whole new world of possibilities. Below are some of the inversion table benefits you stand to gain aside from back and pain relief.
Posture improvement and back alignment
The spinal decompression helps the spine to align naturally as well as aid the supporting muscles to pull the spine back to its right position without the need of a surgery. Surgery for a long time has been the go to correction process for many patients and doctors. But with a painless procedure available, many are more inclined to think twice before they go under the knife.
The reversed gravitational pull helps to relieve the pressure on the muscles that might have been cramped forcing the joints and bones into improper alignment. With this correction, your posture is bound to improve naturally.
Relieving joint pain
Over time, gravity affects the joints negatively. You might have noticed your knees and hips starting to ache as you advance in age. Using an inversion table will help to decompress your joints as well. When you hang upside down, the space between your joints will open up leaving more room for lubricating fluid (synovial fluid) to flow through. The synovial fluid is more of a shock absorbing fluid, especially for the knees. You can think of an inversion table as a tool to help you rehydrate your joints.
Better circulation
The heart and blood vessels do a great job of pumping and transporting blood to all parts of the body including our hands and feet. When we are moving up and down all day, the circulation system has an easy time transporting blood to the hands and feet but tasking to get the blood back to the heart. Why? Well, for the same reason you always come back to the ground after leaping into the air – gravity.
Taking the blood back to the heart, the circulatory system has to work against the pull of gravity. Sure it gets the job done, but with some difficulty. Spending regular time on your inversion table will help to ease the pull of gravity and boost the working of the circulatory system. Oxygen and other nutrients will get to all parts of the body easily.
Gets rid of toxins
With the improved blood circulation, the flow of blood will also increase. This, in turn, will see to it that the lymphatic system increases in efficiency. The lymphatic system is tasked with the responsibility of getting rid of toxins and other toxic waste from the body among other things.
How is this possible? Well, it is linked with the flow of blood. When blood flow improves, the lymph fluids flow will also improve.
Helps in relaxation
Research has shown that inversion helps to decompress and relieve pressure in the joints and not to mention increase circulation to the mind and all parts of the body. All factors that are necessary to calm and relax your body. It works just like a massage does.
With increased oxygen supply to the brain and the relaxed muscles, you will experience great comfort.
Slows down the ageing
Who does not want to prolong their youth? Actually, look twenty when they hit forty years? As you age, the body takes up a new posture. The back slouches while muscles and skin start to sag. According to research, gravity reversal, several minutes a day can help with all the slouching and sagging.
In addition to this, it can help reduce the appearance of the unsightly varicose veins as a result of increased and improved circulation.
Core strength
The inversion table can be used as additional exercising equipment for inverted exercises such as inverted squats, crunches, and sit-ups. Strength exercises help to improve the strength of the core muscles and ultimately improve the posture and spine support.
Add to this the fact that you will exercise with your joints decompressed and muscles relaxed and you have yourself a winner.
Conclusion
Inversion tables do live up to the hype. As a matter of fact, they surpass the expectations of many. If you have set your mind on getting yourself one, you should see to it that you get the very best in the market. Also, you will need to ensure that you do not have any underlying health conditions that might complicate your use of the inversion table. Check with your doctor before you hang upside down. When you do start, start slow and increase the angle of inversion as you proceed as well as the time. This is to ensure that you ease into the incline and your body adjusts to the position naturally.
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