What is Inversion Therapy?

[BSHC]

What is Inversion Therapy?
Inversion therapy is the process of hanging upside down thus applying gentle traction to the spinal column.

Inversion dates back as early as 400 B.C. when Hippocrates (the father of medicine) first instructed his patients to be hoisted upside down on a ladder for 'spinal traction'.

Not only has Inversion Therapy has been helpful for the treatment of back pain and sciatica but it has been shown to reverse the degenerative effects of aging on the spinal column.

Benefits of Inversion

The vertebral Column
Inversion induced traction assists realignment of the vertebrae and relaxation of the vertebral muscles and ligaments, thus relieving pain and discomfort induced by incorrect posture.

Intervertebral discs
Inversion results in decompression of the intervertebral discs in the vertebral column allowing them to regain their suppleness and functional flexibility.

	Muscles Inversion causes relaxation of the muscles of the body promoting and enhancing tissue saturation with oxygenated blood flow not only to vital areas such as the brain, heart, liver, internal and sensory organs, but also to deprived areas in the periphery such as the skin.

	Back ache/sciatica Inversion relieves pain and discomfort in the back and legs caused by prolonged pressure on vertebrae, intervertebral discs, facet joints and pinched nerves.

	Posture Inversion will restore optimal physical posture and functional capacity of all the organs and tissues in the body.
	Inversion in combination with a regular exercise program will strengthen the muscles needed to achieve core stability. This is of vital importance to maintain good posture. Injury or other trauma is often caused because of postural problems such as curvature of the spine.
		Circulation Inversion increases general blood circulation in the body enhancing oxygenation of the cellular tissues enhancing cell function, as well as restoration of cell health.
		Lymph drainage Inversion causes gravitationally induced lymph drainage and flow and decreases lymph stagnation and organ congestion, promoting removal of interstitial toxins including, acids and salts, improving delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the cells.
	Cerebral function Inversion realigns the vertebrae of the neck and this improves oxygenated blood flow to the brain and cerebellum, and to the upper regions of the inner ear, improving mental function and balance.
	Stress and tension Inversion relieves the pain and stiffness in the neck, shoulders and back induced by physical and emotional stress and tension.
		Inversion maintains your height. Regular inverting helps you avoid the "shrinkage" others your age are showing because of the accumulated effect of gravity over time.
			Anti Ageing Inversion induced muscle relaxation, and improved blood circulation in the tissues, is reflected in the elderly by a general feeling of well-being and increased mental function. Inversion also causes decongestion of edematous tissues, improving the function of the heart. Inversion also improves the suppleness of the muscles, ligaments and joints and posture in general. Finally, Inversion improves the colour, elasticity and texture of the skin and the health and lustre of the hair.
				Recreational and occupational physical activity Stretching the veterbral column by Inversion simulates orthopaedic traction, and relieves the stresses and tensions in the muscles, ligaments and intervertebral discs, promoting healing, restoration and growth of the individual fibres. Therefore:
			· Inversion aids correction of malalignment caused by unbalanced occupational, or recreational activity and contributes to restoration of optimal physical posture.
			· Correct alignment of the vertebrae of the neck by Inversion, improves the blood flow to the posterior regions of the brain and cerebellum, improving general cerebral function and balance.
				· Careful physical training in the inverted position, as in Inversion, has the potential to improve performance in non-orthostatic activity, such as occurs in springboard and scuba diving, gymnastics and skydiving.

	· The benefits of regular and appropriate Inversion use extend to prevention of low grade, but accumulative, activity-related wear and tear on, and injury to the joints, ligaments and tissues.