Back Body and Somatics

The Back Body sequence opens the tissue layers and pathways along the soles of the feet, the backs of the legs, the glutes and pelvis, and the low, middle, and upper back. This continuous line moves through the shoulders and arms into the hands, and upward through the back of the head to the crown. As we bring awareness into these areas, the body is given an opportunity to release some of the tension gathered through daily activity and experience a greater sense of space.

The side body also plays an important role within the sequence. Postures such as Pigeon and Extended Side Angle bring attention to the tissues along the sides of the body that wrap toward both the front and the back. Opening these areas supports a more complete experience of the body and allows the practice of release to deepen.

This is a guided practice, but each of us is encouraged to move at our own pace. From the opening Sun Salutations, we begin working strongly with the backs of the legs. Allow each leg to straighten only to its present capacity, giving that capacity room to grow throughout the month. This approach carries into every posture: meeting the body where it is, practicing with comfort and awareness, and noticing how the relationship develops over time.

By practicing back body we can heal and prevent:

• foot pain
• plantar fasciitis
• chronic leg pain
• imbalances within the pelvis
• back pain
• discomfort sitting down
• jutting chin
• weakness of the neck