Universal Touch

🐘 An elephant's spine is designed to carry its own massive weight — not you.

They may seem strong enough to carry people, but their bodies tell a different story.

Unlike horses or camels, elephants have sharp, upward-pointing vertebrae along their spines, not rounded ones. These structures are built to support the animal’s massive weight—not additional loads.

When rigid saddles and groups of tourists are strapped on for rides, they press directly against these bony protrusions.

The result? Abrasions, soft tissue damage, chronic pain, and even long-term spinal deformities.

Multiple animal welfare organizations and veterinary experts have documented the toll this takes. In some cases, the damage is irreversible, leaving elephants with lifelong suffering. Despite growing awareness, elephant rides remain popular in tourism-heavy regions, especially in parts of Asia. But the science is clear: these practices severely compromise elephant health and well-being. Knowing how their anatomy works underscores why ethical wildlife tourism matters—and why it’s time to retire the saddle for good.

Source: World Animal Protection. (2017). Taken for a ride: The conditions for elephants used in tourism in Asia.

Rolling a tennis ball under your glutes is a simple form of self-myofascial release that may help ease tension, reduce pain, improve circulation, and loosen tight muscles. Some evidence suggests it can also relieve pressure linked to piriformis syndrome by relaxing the glutes and easing nerve compression. Benefits are usually short-term and vary by person. It’s not a cure, but when done safely, it’s a useful tool for quick, temporary relief and better mobility.