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With the advancement of technology, most of us either have a sitting job or have been spending most of our time in front of TVs. This usually results in back pain problems if we don’t practice yoga or stretch our backs. The Inversion Table, not so popular equipment, could do magic here. There are multiple benefits of an inversion table that could prove to be more powerful than a full-body massager.
WHAT IS AN INVERSION TABLE?
Inversion therapy is a process of hanging upside down from feet in a slanted or completely upside-down position. Headstand (Sirsasana) is a pose in yoga that is based on this therapy. An Inversion Table is an equipment that could help you in inverting your body if you don’t know how to do a headstand.
The inversion table is a piece of mechanical equipment that works based on your body weight. You lie on a bed shape incliner, locking your feet and ankle. As you start moving your body weight and hands toward to back of your head, you will start inverting. The inversion table can stop at different angles based on your body and hand positions. It’s possible to go completely upside-down while hanging only from your feet.
By hanging upside-down, we ease the pressure of gravity on our back and stretch our spine. This is why inversion therapy is also referred to as spinal traction.
BENEFITS OF INVERSION TABLE
Below are some of the potential benefits of an inversion table.
- Prevent Chronic back pain / Sciatica
- Reduce degenerative disc disease
- Reduce stress
- Increases height
- Add glow to the face
1. PREVENT CHRONIC BACK PAIN / SCIATICA
Our back is exposed to a lot of gravitational pressure while walking or moving. With the inversion table, you can turn upside-down while hanging from your feet. This helps in elongating the spinal cord and reducing the pressure on our back.
Some yoga poses like headstand, cat & cow, and cobra could also help with back pain if performed every day. The inversion table is a quick alternative to those yoga poses with additional benefits.
2. REDUCE DEGENERATIVE DISC DISEASE
Degeneration Disc Disease is a condition that occurs with age in which the spine loses flexibility and discs between vertebrae may lose cushioning. The inversion table helps with natural decompression that relieves pressure on discs and rehydrates them.
3. REDUCE STRESS
The inversion table helps in activating our parasympathetic nervous system. This is similar to the famous child pose in yoga where our head is below our body. The inverted position helps in improving blood flow in our body and reducing stress.
4. INCREASES HEIGHT
A lot of people hang upside-down from bars in the park to increase their height. Based on the same logic, the inversion table creates a space between vertebrae. The stretch in the muscles could help in increasing height by almost 2 inches.
This is a reverse process of Kyphosis (forward rounding of the back) that people experience in old age where they start to stoop due to the weakening of bones.
5. ADD GLOW TO THE FACE
The reverse body pose flushes oxygen and nutrients to the face. This helps in reducing acne and gives a natural lift and glow to the face. Although few people believe that it could help in preventing wrinkles too but it’s not scientifically proven.
RISKS OF USING AN INVERSION TABLE
Now you know the benefits of an inversion table, it’s very important to understand its risks too.
- Increased blood pressure
- Could Deteriorate Current Conditions
- Ear and Eye Pressure
1. INCREASED BLOOD PRESSURE
In an inverted position, the heart will move blood to the body at a faster pace than it would normally do. This would drive an increase in blood pressure. This condition could be risky for people with heart conditions.
2. COULD DETERIORATE CURRENT CONDITIONS
Some people overdo inversion therapy which could worsen their current conditions. Instead of getting the benefits of inversion table, they reverse it. People feel that hanging upside-down for a longer duration could bring more benefits. This is not true.
It’s okay to start with 2 minutes and gradually increase to 5 minutes. Starting with 10 minutes on the first day may cause headaches or unconsciousness.
3. EAR AND EYE PRESSURE
The inverted position could increase pressure in the inner ear which may cause discomfort. People with glaucoma may experience bleeding in the eyes due to increased pressure on the eyes.
WHO SHOULD NOT USE AN INVERSION TABLE?
It is very important to consult with your physician before using an inversion table. Although there are multiple benefits of inversion table, it could be harmful if you have any of the below conditions.
- heart disease
- history of stroke
- high blood pressure
- elevated eye pressure
- pregnancy
- inner ear pressure
- obesity
- broken bones
BEST INVERSION TABLE – TEETER PRODUCT REVIEW
There are multiple factors that you should consider while purchasing an inversion table. Although the benefits of an inversion table will not change with the brand but safety, ease of use and comfort level could vary a lot.
Consider the below factors to find out the best inversion table.
- FDA registration
- Third-party certification
- Price
- Ergonomic design
- Hinges control
- Ease of use
- Ease of assembly
- Warranty
- Financing Option
- Reviews
- Additional Features
Based on the above factors, Teeter is the best and most recommended inversion table.
- It is the only FDA-registered inversion table.
- Teeter inversion tables are UL (Underwriter Laboratories) certified.
- Although its different models weigh between 55 lb and 75 lb, they are very easy to assemble. Even a single person could assemble them in 5 steps and in less than 15 minutes.
- The feet have hinges that auto-lock. It makes it easy for a user to hang upside-down.
- It’s very easy to fold Teeter inversion tables. This helps in storage as they occupy very little space at home.
- The heavyweight of the machine is not a restriction in moving it between places. It can be easily lifted from side handles.
- The height could be easily adjusted with an adjustable bar based on the body and height requirements.
- It offers multiple accessories like a vibration cushion, inversion program mat, neck support, thermotherapy, etc.
- Teeter offers 14 days free trial option.
- Teeter also offers financing options.
CONCLUSION
The benefits of inversion table are amazing. It’s a hidden gem that not a lot of people are aware of. Its benefits could easily outweigh its cost. If you are still unsure about the benefits of inversion table then it would be worth trying it for a few days. Make sure to consult your physician and check your physical condition before using it.
VIDEO DEMONSTRATING THE USE OF AN INVERSION TABLE
Video Source: Teeter
Disclaimer: Consult with your physician before using an inversion table.
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