I have been a manual practitioner for 27 years. For the first fifteen years, I was a Registered Massage Therapist. And then, in 2006, I embarked up the study of Osteopathy – which I still practice to this day.
I am blessed to love what I do and am continually learning, and sharing information with my patients…whether it be about meditation techniques, complementary modalities, nutritional advice, and/or physical supports and helpful devices that support our work/learning day.
There is one tool that I keep coming back to.
As per below:
In the year (??) I attended the Yoga show in Toronto – both to partake of the classes/workshops offered and to explore the exhibits. I was also on a bit of a search… The previous year I had seen an item that interested me and that had held my attention – every time my back ached after a day of treating patients I wondered about this “tool”. I had tried to mimic its structure with pillows. But my efforts fell short.
Originally the item I saw had been made of wood – which I felt had the structure I sought – but the composition seemed hard and unforgiving get – extreme…
And that was when I came across The 10 Minute Cushion. I literally rounded a corner and bumped into the exhibit. I was welcomed and introduced (by lying down and being appropriately pillowed) to the cushion. I was very, very impressed.
They say that our society breeds collapsed chests – and it does. I see the byproduct of this flexed spine – arms out front positioning daily in my practice. Pain aside – the effects on fluid flow and organ health are profound as well.
The 10-minute cushion allows for the passive release of said collapse.
Honestly, when I lay on it – my spine almost breathed a sigh of relief.
The passive nature of this stretching tool makes it easy to use and – albeit strengthening is called for as well – it’s a great – great! The starting point for patients – the ligaments that line the front of the spine can take their time releasing and – that profound flexion curve, that progresses in so many of us through the thoracic spine, can take a time out and relax into extension.
I often suggest that this tool can be used in conjunction with a meditation practice such as Yoga Nidra – to encourage a more profound effect.
After some time – I was contacted and introduced to a smaller cushion – of the same shape. And find that it suits me – personally better – as the subtle curvature of the smaller cushion suits smaller frames – and is a bit gentler.
As with all things – there are preferences and approaches that suit the individual. Choices are good.
Thank you, Graham and team. I love this cushion and continue to recommend it to my patient base.
