Yoga: Move From the Inside Out – Connect to Your Organs & Core
A 1993 Yoga Journal article examining the Western concept of fitness and its potential disconnect from holistic health is gaining renewed attention as practitioners increasingly seek alternatives to mainstream exercise trends. The piece, originally published in the September-October issue, critiques the tendency to view the body as a machine focused on muscular development, rather than a system prioritizing the health of internal organs and overall well-being.
The article, authored by an unnamed instructor, challenges the prevailing cultural emphasis on external appearance and performance, contrasting it with the Eastern traditions of yoga and t’ai chi, which prioritize the flow of “chi” or life force. It argues that a singular focus on muscular strength can overshadow the importance of vital organ function, potentially leading to imbalances and a limited understanding of true health.
“Western forms of exercise are obsessed with the outer wrappings of the body—the muscles,” the article states. “How we look is far more important to us than the healthy functioning of our liver, lungs, or lymph system.” This observation resonates with a growing movement within the wellness community that advocates for a more integrated approach to physical and mental health, moving beyond purely aesthetic goals.
The piece introduces the concept of initiating movement “from the inside out,” emphasizing awareness of the internal organs and their role in facilitating movement. It suggests that by focusing on the organs, practitioners can access a deeper, more sustainable form of movement that promotes relaxation and allows the musculoskeletal system to rest, and recuperate. The author references Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen, director of the School for Body-Mind Centering in Amherst, Massachusetts, who describes organs as “the primary habitats for our emotions, aspirations, and memories of our inner reactions to our personal histories.”
The article details a specific yoga pose, Jathara Parivartanasana (Revolved Belly Pose), as a practical example of how to engage the internal organs during practice. It provides instructions for beginners, suggesting the utilize of pillows or folded blankets to modify the pose and reduce spinal rotation. Variations are also offered for more advanced practitioners, including a technique adapted from Thomas Hanna’s Somatics: Reawakening the Mind’s Control of Movement, Flexibility, and Health, which involves rolling the shoulders and arms to initiate movement through the skeleton.
The advanced practice described involves shifting the pelvis and extending the legs to deepen the stretch and massage the internal organs. The author emphasizes the importance of coordinating breath with movement, directing the breath along the vertical axis of the body to lengthen the torso and broaden the chest. The article cautions against forcing the pose, advising practitioners to listen to their inner perceptions and adjust the position as needed.
The author concludes by highlighting the interplay between the inner and outer body, suggesting that by cultivating awareness of both systems, practitioners can move with greater clarity and intention. This internal literacy, the article suggests, can extend beyond the yoga mat, influencing personal lives and interactions with the surrounding environment. The article does not offer a conclusion, but rather ends with the idea that integrating these two systems is an ongoing challenge.