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Yoga for a Happy Skeleton 8: Hipster

Ahimsa
Oct 25, 2015
3 min read

The hip is a deeply embedded ball and socket joint built for maximum load bearing and impact. Its entire structure is designed for strength and stability come what may: thick, spongy cartilage cushions the high impact zones, strong bands of ligaments stabilize the joint on all sides, an architecture of dense bones support the head of the femur and powerful muscles surround the joints from above and below. The emphasis on strength and stability means less scope for wide range of movement.

RANGE OF MOVEMENT AND LOAD-BEARING KEEP HIPS HEALTHY

Some information about cartilage is useful in understanding the importance of hip-maintenance principles. With all the weight of the upper body pressing down through the hip, the cartilage is a protective layer keeping bone away from bone. While the top layer is worn away by downward pressure, cartilage grows slowly from the bottom up. Its renewal is stimulated by the on-off compression that happens with walking, running, jumping etc. This type of movement also pumps nutritious fluid into the cartilage. Additionally, fluid circulation to cartilage is facilitated by loose, stretchy soft tissue i.e. flexibility helps your cartilage stay healthy. Therefore, do yoga!

Synovial fluid is the other part of the equation for smoothly functioning hips. According to Sarah Key, “Each hip joint is encapsulated in a bag of lubricating synovial fluid.”[1] Immersion in this synovial fluid is essential for cartilage health. Not only does it prevent cartilage drying and becoming brittle, it contains cells that eat eroded bits of cartilage that would otherwise interfere with the joints. Again, movement, particularly on/off load bearing and extreme range keeps up the secretion of synovial fluid.

Hips don’t like:

Prolonged inactivity;
Unvaried patterns of movement;
Using a walking stick or crutches;
Prolonged standing;
Obesity;
Jarring/high impact;
Hard surfaces;
High heeled shoes;
Uneven leg lengths;
Limping.

Hips do like:

Rhythmic walking with long strides;
Being taken through extreme range of movement;
Squatting and sitting cross-legged on the floor.

KEEP THEM FLEXIBLE!

Osteoarthritis is unfortunately all too common. It is a degenerative condition which can lead to the need for hip replacement. All the things in the ‘don’t like’ list increase the chances of degeneration, while the ‘like list’ reduces problems. Restricted movement is a sign that the joint is in trouble. The first direction of movement to suffer is backward extension. This will shorten your walking stride, so be aware of the need for nice long strides.

Sarah says, “Even though hip replacements are the most often performed orthopaedic procedure, following a modest regime of yoga stretches will defy the day.”[2] Three cheers for yoga!

Esoteric dimension

The hips are associated with swadhisthana chakra. The yantra of swadhisthana is a crescent

moon. Its bright, silvery form links the hips from point to point with its bowl resting in the pelvis. The element, or tattwa, is the water and the animal symbol is an undersea monster, representing deep impulses and forgotten emotions that burst through the surface when we least expect them. This is the deep ocean of the unconscious which can swamp or drown us if we lack power in the higher energy centres.