StressBusters- Full Body Tension Releaser- The Pyramid
By Mary Louise Muller, M.Ed, RCST, RPP

One of the major body symptoms of chronic stress is tension in the whole body. The muscles are in readiness to face the pressures of life and the related fascia takes on its own tightness. We experience this especially in the neck, shoulders and back. In this article, you will learn one of the most powerful full body tension releasers. It was developed by Dr. Randolph Stone, an osteopath and chiropractor who created Polarity Therapy. When he was in his 70’s, he realized that both his clients and himself  needed a form of movement to help them become more whole and flexible.

It is a basic principle of osteopathy that when energy flows in the body, health can be maintained and restored. Dr. Stone compares his work with atomic physics in that the energy released is immensely powerful in its balancing and healing effects. He says we have to work “smarter rather than harder.” His movements systematically restore energy flow, release physical tension and encourage renewed balance in structures.

In the pyramid, which we are learning today, the spine is lengthened, the shoulders and hips are simultaneously opened and the soft diaphragms at the pelvic floor, respiratory diaphragm, shoulder girdle and base of the head are released. This is a favorite for people who drive long distances or travel in airplanes. It is an instant energy booster and tension releaser.

To begin, stand with the feet wider apart than the width of the shoulders. Lean forward and place the palms of the hands on the thighs just above the knees. Your thumb is inside. Your fingers face outside. You now look like the letter A.

You are going to create a “suspension bridge” where your weight will transfer from the legs to the shoulders. As you go into the suspension position, your knees go out to the side and your pelvis drops until it is suspended in the dynamic tension created by the frame of your arms and legs. There is a 90° angle at the ankles and the knee. The feet are aligned parallel to the thighs. The shoulders are pushed up toward the ears.

Relax and breathe. Make a gentle sound like “Ahhh” as you exhale. Gently rock. The movements Dr. Stone developed include the use of leverage, sound, breath and gentle rocking motions to increase their effectiveness.

You can create a more dynamic release by bringing one shoulder forward and turning the head to look first down at the floor and then up at the ceiling. Continue to “rock” or “pulse” and make sound. Return to the center and then do the other side.

You can also do a variation for Shoulder Release. Turn your thumbs out and your fingers in as they rest on the thighs. Now your elbows bend as you drop into the pyramid. Play with taking the shoulder blades together and apart by moving the elbows.

It is important when we do any movement, that we are conscious, present and aware.  When the body senses that we are listening for a gentle opening, this is when energy moves and tissues release and restructure. If this movement is difficult, you can do preparatory movements that open the shoulders or pelvis. You also can do it seated in a chair. This is wonderful for seniors with a limited range of motion.

Bust that stress! Feel your best!

Mary Louise Muller is an authority on Energy Medicine. She and her husband teach internationally and have a private practice in Murrieta, California. She is co-author of  Energy Exercises: Easy Exercises for Health and Vitality. You can join her on www.Take5Moment.com for the stressbuster The Owl and see her upcoming classes on www.lifeshapes.org