Nia education: The Ankle Joint
Posted in Education on 09/30/2009 02:51 pm by niadance
Your Pot of Gold of Mobility & Stability
Did you know that your foot has a partner called your ankle? Did you know that ankles are built-in shock absorbers? Like all joints, ankle joints are designed to move body parts, in this case, your feet. Without ankle joints, your feet can’t move efficiently. And you need movable feet, as they are your wheels! Every time you dance, walk, stand, run, or skip your ankles act as shock absorbers and provide you with the ability to move with grace.
Your ankle is a hinge joint. Like the hinge on a door, it opens and closes. Your ankle is made up of the space between the top of your foot and the ends of your two shinbones. Your ankle is a space keeper. Moving your foot and sensing your ankle joint involved as you walk and dance is one way to maintain ankle space. Your ankle makes it possible for you to circle your foot and flex and point your toes, which are movements that keep your ankle healthy. When you walk, do you sense your ankles? You can.
In Nia, we teach you to sense and use your ankle joints in all stances, walking and stepping motions. Every time you step, lead with your heel
and imagine your foot as the mouth of an alligator opening. As you walk, sense the lightness of being by imagining rainbows of air filling your ankles. Keep your movement light and resilient by walking on clouds.
Ankle Wellness
Walk and touch the earth with your feet. Keep your ankles agile by sensing your relaxed feet.
Roll through your entire foot from the heel to the ball and toes to integrate your feet and activate your ankles.
Keep your ankles pliable and strong by rising up onto the balls of your feet as if reaching for something on a shelf, then slowly lower your heels down. Repeat 10
times before any meal.
Walk barefoot as often as possible to become aware of your foot and ankle relationship.
For more information go on-line to read and subscribe to the free Nia Newsletter.
International Nia Headquarters