In addition to the meditation, proper breathing and healthy eating that were important components of the training offered to these celebrities, they also received training in the use of the asanas (postures or positions) basic to the system of yoga. A posture that was always emphasized during these types of training is the headstand (Sirshasana). It was commonly believed (back then) that the headstand possessed the ability to enhance ones beauty and to keep one looking much younger than his/her real age.
Today, we know these assumptions to be true. The headstand and its many variations (including the vast number of inversion machines available to the public) offer quite a number of benefits. A rational for many of these benefits is simply this: blood flow to the uppermost region of the body is hampered by gravity and also by ones level of activity. If you stand motionless for a few hours, the possibility exist that you will faint. This will, most likely, be caused by a decrease in the amount of blood reaching your brain. For those familiar with basic first aid, the procedure used to revive a person who has fainted is to simply raise his/ her legs. The assumption here is that such an action will help to revive the individual by increase blood flow to the brain.
The goal of inversion training is to secure therapeutic benefits through the use of machines and physical positions that causes the body to be in an inverted or semi-inverted position. When the body is placed in such a position, the flow of blood to its uppermost region is made easier. Blood that is oxygen and nutrient rich will now reach the brain, eyes, hair and other parts more easily.
It is no coincidence that the most obvious signs of aging are displayed above the shoulders: greying hair, teeth loss, poor vision, hearing problems, etc. These are areas that are subjected to decreased blood flow due to the descending pull of gravity and low levels of physical activity. The point here is simply this, inversion training is a proven way to help ensure good health and avoid pre-mature aging. It also offers additional benefits. Listed below are some of them:
⦁ It relieves stress
⦁ It helps with depression
⦁ It stimulates healthy hair
⦁ It helps to strengthen the upper body
⦁ It strengthens the core muscles
⦁ It removes toxins from the body by stimulating the lymphatic system
⦁ It improves digestion
⦁ It helps improve breathing
Although inversion training uses a number of “natural” body positions, a number of machines are also made use of. Although these machines will help to increase blood flow to those neglected areas mentioned above, most are used, mainly, to facilitate decompression of the spine. This form of therapy is used to relieve pressure that is being placed on the spine. Increased blood flow to the brain is a secondary benefit.
Now, it should be kept in mind that securing the benefits of inversion training can be difficult for some. For others, it could be quite dangerous. As a rule, if you suffer from a weak or injured neck, have high blood pressure, possess a heart condition, have an eye disease such as glaucoma or if you are pregnant, you should get permission from your doctor, etc., before attempting inversion training.
The Fusion One Inversion Program makes use of a number of inversion positions that are both safe and effective. They are accompanied by special breathing and other techniques. Three such positions (ranging from simple to complex) are: (A) the seated forward bend of Fusion One, (B) the standing forward bend and (C) the headstand. These positions when carried out correctly will, almost always, provide the desired results.
*This article was first published in the Charlotte Sun's Feeling Fit magazine.
