THE PELVIC TILTING POSES
The proper positioning of the pelvis is the key to correct posture. The placement of the pelvis determines the curves of the spine. When the pelvis is correctly placed, the supporting structures above it will move into balance. All in all it is an awareness of good posture which will bring the whole body into alignment.
A normal back has four curves. They form an S shape. The lower back and neck are concave curves – they curve inward toward the front of the body. The tailbone area and the upper back are convex curves – they curve outward away from the back of the body.
The normal curves of the back insure proper spacing between the vertebrae of the back. Nerves branch out from the spinal cord and exit between the vertebrae. If the curves become excessive or flattened, compression of the nerves which pass between the vertebrae may result.
Pregnancy tends to cause compression in the lower back. This compression is due to the weight of the growing uterus and the subsequent lack of abdominal muscle control. As a result, correct posture is distorted. This creates an excessive lower back curve. Reclining pelvic tilting poses will help alleviate this compression. The accompanying lower back pain will be relieved by lengthening the lower back muscles.
Pelvic tilting on hands and knees (Cat Stretch p. 4) may also relieve back pain and sciatica. The emphasis is on working the abdominal muscles against gravity. This hands and knees position may also be used in labor to relieve backache.