Inversion Therapy Benefits

Have you ever tried to imagine what would happen if you turned your body upside down? Well, you probably have and thought you would end up feeling extremely dizzy, not to mention the danger of engaging in such a position.

Well, the truth is that body inversion has many amazing health benefits. One of the most popular is relieving pain in the back, neck, pain, shoulders, and even the knee joints. Besides back pain, inversion causes spinal decompression which in turn eliminates or rather relieves many back problems.

You will also be happy to know that being in an upside down position can actually help with problems of the mind. These include stress, anxiety, depression, and many others. Inverting also greatly improves your fitness level.

By using inversion equipment such as inversion tables and inversion chairs, you are able to perform a number of exercises such as abs and thigh workouts.

Check out our Top 5 Inversion Therapy Table Picks for 2018

What is Inversion Therapy?

Inversion therapy is a unique kind of therapy which involves hanging upside down on an inversion table or inversion chair.The main concept of this therapy is about helping your body recover from the compressive effects of gravity and day-to-day activities.

It takes away the gravitational pressure of the disks and nerve roots in your spine and significantly increases the space between vertebrae. This results in spinal decompression or spinal traction which helps stretch the spine, thereby relieving back pain and solving other back-related problems.

Well-researched studies have found this incredible technique a great way to target pain at the source for long-term relief and also care for all weight-bearing joints in your body.

What are the Benefits of Inversion Therapy?

If you are not sure whether inversion therapy can help you or whether it really works, check out the amazing inversion therapy benefits.

Relieves Back Pain

Whether you’re suffering from chronic back pain or acute back pain, inversion therapy provides long-term relief while improving other back complications.

It targets back pain by;

• Rehydrating the spinal discs for better flexibility and shock absorption
• Realigning the spine which also improves body posture
• Reducing nerve pressure which alleviates or eliminates any pressure or pinching of the nerve root
• Relax tense muscles which also reduces muscle tension and spasms

Apart from back pain, inversion therapy also helps alleviate pain from scoliosis, herniated disc, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, sciatic nerve, and cervical spinal stenosis.

Boosts Blood Circulation

During inversion, your heart doesn’t have to work as hard pumping blood throughout your body. The gravity effect pretty much does most of the work.

There is an increased blood flow especially to your brain where more oxygen and nutrients are delivered. The result is improved memory/alertness, clear thinking, and improved brain health.
Inverting not only makes your brain work better, but also boosts the function of other body organs.

Improves Heart Function

Because your heart doesn’t have to pump blood as hard during while in an upside down position, it gets the much-needed rest.

Studies have found inverting to be particularly helpful in curbing heart arrhythmia.

As a precaution, do not engage in inversion if suffering from any heart problem as it’s known to aggravate the symptoms and even lead to serious complications.

Reduces Stress and Anxiety

Stress and tension in the back, neck, and shoulders cause pain and muscle spasms as well as headaches and stress.

In most cases, muscle tension is caused by spinal misalignment, overstimulation of nerves, poor blood circulation (oxygen deficiency in muscles), and poor removal of waste and toxins by the lymphatic system.

Because inversion therapy boosts blood circulation, improves the function of the lymphatic system and properly aligns the spine, it may be of great help to people suffering from stress, anxiety, mood swings as well as depression.

Improves Joint Health

Joints are your body’s weight-bearing points and hence experience a lot of pressure and tension.
Decompression aids in joint lubrication by enhancing the production of the synovial fluid that nourishes joint cartilage and boosts shock absorption.

Increased ligament strength which promotes excellent joint support and prevents injuries is also experienced.

Overall, inversion therapy promotes good joint health and improves its function.

The technique has particularly been found to help alleviate arthritis.

Increases Body Flexibility

Stiff joints and tight muscles can cause body imbalances which may result in improper posture and increased risk of injury.

Inverting causes a natural stretch that elongates your muscles, decompresses your joints, and enhances your muscle function, thus improving flexibility and mobility.

It’s a great way to permanently improve your posture.

Boosts the Function of the Lymphatic System

Your lymphatic system depends on the mechanical forces that are created during movement to eliminate wastes and toxins from your body. The heart is not involved in the pumping and circulation of the lymphatic fluids.

Some people who experience swelling in legs, ankles, and feet tend to have a poor functioning lymphatic system where the fluid settles in the lower body.

Inverting assists the lymphatic system by shifting the force of gravity in the opposite direction which draws the fluid out of the lower body and expels the toxins from your body.

Studies have found that combining regular exercise and inversion therapy can greatly boost the function of your lymphatic system.

Improves your Fitness and Builds Strength

Inversion therapy is actually a form of exercise that works your joints, muscles, and burns some fat as well.

This therapy works your abdominal muscles so if you want to get some abs, making it a regular habit.

The sit-ups and crunches on the inversion machine (table/chair) will help develop and strengthen your muscles.

Inverting also does work your legs, strengthens your quads and hamstrings while sculpting your glutes.

Other Benefits of Inversion Therapy

• Increases energy and decreases fatigue
• Boosts your immune system
• Improves digestion
• Improves lung function
• Reduces headaches
• Reduces and prevents varicose veins
• Clears sinuses
• Improves sleep quality and counteracts insomnia
• Fights premature aging

Inversion Therapy Potential Risks

Although inversion therapy does provide relief for a number of back problems, it’s not safe for everyone.

Hanging upside down can be extremely risky for anyone with high blood pressure (hypertension), heart disease, or eye problems such as glaucoma.

Studies have confirmed that a person’s heartbeat slows down and blood pressure increases when you remain in an upside down position for a couple of minutes. That’s why people with high blood pressure and heart complications should never attempt this kind of therapy.

Because your eyeballs experience intensive pressure while inverting, eye complications such as glaucoma may worsen.

It’s therefore important to avoid inversion therapy if you have any of these conditions.

Also, it’s important to exercise caution when using an inversion table or chair. Follow the instructions provided in the User Guide. You can as well request assistance from a fitness expert just to be on the safe side.

Conclusion

Inversion therapy is a safe and natural way to relieve back pain while promoting good health.
Actually, you don’t have to go to the gym for this type of therapy. You just need to purchase the best inversion table or inversion chair and perform the technique right at the comfort of your home.

People of all ages have found relief using inversion therapy, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t give it a try.

This could be a long-term solution to your problem.