as is above, so below — what to do when something isn’t working
This is Ashtanga Yoga Tech Support. Real questions from the yoga community, answered.
The Question
I was doing core work and noticed I was putting too much stress on my lower back. I realized I needed to recruit from higher up in my torso instead. Is there a general principle here for troubleshooting when something feels off in the body?
— from a MJH note
Our Response
As is above, so below. It’s a diagnostic shortcut that works more often than it doesn’t.
Soft palate connects to pelvic floor. Diaphragm pressure relates to pelvic floor pressure. Crown of the head has a conversation with the soles of the feet. When something’s stuck or straining in one place, go check what’s happening—or not happening—at the opposite end.
Your lower back was complaining because you weren’t picking up the work higher in the torso. Classic. The body likes distributed effort, not local heroics.
This isn’t mystical. It’s structural. The whole system is connected by fascia, breath mechanics, and the simple fact that you can’t isolate one part without affecting another.
So when something feels wrong: don’t just muscle through it. Look up. Look down. Find the corresponding piece that’s asleep at the wheel.
Not sure where to start?
Chat with the intake assistant — tell it about your practice and it’ll point you to what fits.
Talk to the Intake Bot →
Discussion
or explore Student Union