Lesson 5 •  Molecular Spring w/ Parvritta Trikonasana

MOLECULAR SPRING

WITH PARVRITTA TRIKONASANA

MOLECULAR SPIRALS

In 1954, a scientists named Dr. Ram discovered

that the connective tissue of our body, Type 1

collagen, is organized in a spiraling helix— wave

like patterns that allow it to operate much like a

spring, storing and releasing energy mechanically

as we move. This architecture functions as a

spring, storing and releasing energy mechanically

as we move. This intrinsic magic fuels nearly

calorie-free actions like walking, where the energy

from one step rebounds through the connective

tissue to fuel the subsequent step. Once the ball

is bouncing, for example, we only have to apply a

little energy to keep it bouncing, because of this

spring-like connective tissue.

PUTTING THE SPRING BACK IN OUR STEP

As we age, though, and move less, this wave like

patterning gets scrambled. Much like a forgotten

vegetable garden, the rows are hard to decipher

beneath the cross-crossing weeds. We lose the

literal spring in our step. But as they say in gar-

dening, the greatest fertilizer is a gardener’s foot

prints— meaning the more we bring conscious-

ness to our movement, the more we are able to

move. As we begin to incorporate centered spiral-

ing into our yoga practice, we can literally re-pat-

tern this connective tissue and restore its spring.

What’s more, as we learn to keep our subtle center

and move with the fullness of awareness, as

Rudi’s Golden Ratio teaches, we can restore the

spring in our hearts as well, on our way to floating

through the karmic arenas of our lives like the

spiraling Shiva Nataraj.

SUMMARY & REFLECTION

In 1954, Dr. Ram discovered that Type 1 collagen in our connective tissue is

organized in a spiraling helix, allowing it to function like a spring by storing and

releasing energy mechanically as we move.

·

Reflect on the discovery that the body’s connective tissue is organized

in a spiraling helix. How does this insight deepen your appreciation

for the body’s innate design and its ability to store and release energy?

How might this understanding inspire you to bring more consciousness

to your movement to restore and nurture this spring-like quality in your

body?

Parivrtta Trikonasana

Anatomy in Motion

Parivrtta Trikonasana offers a chance to engage the spiral line from a standing position, uniting the full range of muscles from our feet to the crown. When they work together, this challenging pose feels more like a flowing dance! Some initial pointers include starting with the front knee slightly bent (consider having the back knee down for added support) and ensuring a wide base — meaning the front foot and hand have some good distance between them. Using blocks isn't just for beginners; even if you're able to reach the ground, you might find the motion feels more natural with hands on blocks. It's often a good move to start everyone on blocks to help them feel that continuous connection in the spiral line, and from there, they can explore further. And as with our other spiral-focused poses, the deep core takes on the main role, ensuring our experience of the spiral lines remains fluid and effortless.

Set-up- Parsvottansana with 2 blocks to the inside of the front foot

  • Start in a Vira 1 stance with both legs straight.

  • Push evenly into both feet as you hinge forward at the hips.

  • Bring the hands to the front thigh.

  • Soften the front knee and gently melt the spine into spinal flexion, allowing the hands to walk down the leg.  Make sure there is still a strong connection between the back foot and the floor.

  • Bring hands to the blocks and bend the front knee generously so that you can lengthen the spine.

  • Make sure there is a generous amount of space between the front foot and outer arm. Walk the outer arm further out laterally if necessary.

Modified Set-up- This is also a great prep for Parivrtta Trikonasana

  1. In Anjaneyasana, place 2 blocks inside of the front foot.

  2. Lower hands to blocks

Primary movement (Full-body Spiral)

  • Inhale Shift weight into the hand on the block inside the front foot. Circle the arm on the outside of the leg forward and up

  • Exhale Completing the circle, draw the arm back and down.

  • Repeat this, allowing the heart and spine to spiral towards the front leg.

  • Keeping the movement smooth and even, allow the front leg to kick and lengthen as the arm reaches up and back.  Notice how the upper and lower body work together to help you spiral evenly and fully.

  • Soften the knee on the second half of the circle so that you are ready to repeat from step four.

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