By Claire Diab and Dennis Boyle
Spring is upon us! There is a lot of energy from the birth of the flowers pushing through the ground to blossom. The leaves on the trees and bushes will be making their way out to celebrate Spring. We can soon be able to feel this energy in the air and hear the song of spring birds.
Let’s align our spine and create space so that we can strengthen our muscles and nourish all the systems of the body. The systems of the body are interconnected and each serves its own function.
The systems of the body are as follows:
- Circulatory. Circulates blood and lymph through the body.
- Skeletal. Bones and connective tissues.
- Muscular. Skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscles.
- Immune. Cells, tissues, and organs that protect the body against infection.
- Glandular. Made up of exocrine and endocrine glands.
- Respiratory. Series of organs that contribute.
- Lymphatic.Tissues and organs that help rid the body of toxins.
- Nervous. Nerve cells and fibers that transmit nerve impulses.
- Endocrine. Glands that produce hormones to regulate different functions.
- Integumentary. The skin and its appendages including hair and nails.
- Digestive. Organs converting food into energy.
- Reproductive. Genital system of organs with the function of sexual reproduction.
Sun salutationsare a great way to nourishallsystems of the body and prepare us to receive the energy of the spring. Sun salutations are a series of movements that flow with the breath, and one variation is shown below.
Namaste!
Claire Diabis an internationally recognized yoga therapist. She is the director of the Yoga Program for the Chopra Center founded by Dr. Deepak Chopra and Dr. David Simon. She is an adjunct professor of Asian Studies at Seton Hall University. She is the author of several books and DVDs on yoga including “Yoga for Firefighters.”
Dennis Boyleis a retired fire director and acting chief with the West Orange (NJ) Fire Department. He was the recipient of the 1999 New Jersey Deputy Fire Chiefs “Fire Officer of the Year” award.
