CH.13 THE HAMMOCK ATLAS
Lateral LineLL
Balances the two sides
The sides of the body, from beside the ear to the outside of the foot
One on each side, like a pair of zippers holding the body between them. The segment over the ribs is woven criss-cross, which is why restricted side-bending usually catches first between the ribs, not at the waist.
Where this line runs
- 01Mastoid · occiput
- 02Sternocleidomastoid · splenius capitis
- 03Intercostals (the woven, criss-crossing segment) ★
- 04Internal and external obliques · quadratus lumborum
- 05Iliac crest
- 06Tensor fasciae latae · gluteus maximus
- 07IT band (lateral support at the knee) ★
- 08Head of the fibula
- 09Peroneus longus · peroneus brevis
- 10Base of the first and fifth metatarsals
What this line does
The Lateral Line runs up both sides of the body; when one side shortens, the body bends toward it. It shares muscle with the Spiral Line and takes part in controlling rotation. Only when the two sides are balanced does the body have dimension in every direction.
How to train it
The point is balancing left and right. Whichever side has collapsed, release the intercostals and obliques on that side and bring the shoulder girdle back to level. Front and back need to separate as well, so the body has depth.
Go deeper
The intercostals are breathing muscles, but the direction of their fibers also involves them in the small rotations of the rib cage as you walk. When the Lateral Line tightens, both breathing and rotation are limited with it.
Clues
Left and right are uneven, and the body habitually leans to one side
- In the mirror, one shoulder sits higher than the other
- Your waistband sits higher on one side, or one trouser leg feels longer
- Standing on one leg, one side is clearly steady and the other wobbles
- You can only sleep comfortably on one particular side
On the collapsed side the rib cage presses down on the diaphragm, so that side breathes less. Over time, rotation becomes limited along with it.
Even out the two sides and the surface you lie on is symmetrical. With fewer turns in the night, deep sleep is not interrupted by your own body.
Test it yourself
Stand on one leg with your eyes closed and count to ten. Repeat on the other leg and see how many seconds separate the two.
The rest of it, a book can’t carry
What this line feels like when it releases, I can’t put into writing.
Lie into the hammock and find out for yourself.