The way we “carry” our body has a huge impact on our lives. It is difficult to overestimate the importance of a healthy back in general and correct posture in particular: ideally, a uniform body is synchronized with the forces of gravity so that no structure is overstressed.
Bad posture is not only an unattractive sight, but also a cause of long-term health problems. According to the London Osteopathic Practice, incorrect posture is responsible for the deformation of bone and soft tissues. This, in turn, can lead to damage to the intervertebral discs, fibrous tissue scarring and other damage. In addition, certain back positions endanger nerve tissue as it begins to alter blood flow to the spinal cord. Darren Fletcher, a physician at Posture Dynamics, explains: “Plastic changes occur in connective tissues that can become permanent. It is for this reason that short-term back straightening methods do not work with many patients.” Darren Fletcher lists several main reasons for maintaining good posture:
which means efficient muscle work. With adequate functioning of the muscles (proper load distribution), the body spends less energy, and excessive tension is prevented.
Many do not even know, but poor posture has a negative impact on … a sense of happiness! A flat back means the absence of muscle and energy blocks, free distribution of energy, tone and strength.
Slouching affects the functioning of vital organs and all body systems more than we think. For example, if we sit or stand not strictly upright, lung capacity decreases, which directly affects the amount of oxygen absorbed and energy levels. Thus, a person with a stooped back runs the risk of having slower circulation, digestion and excretion of waste, all of which result in feelings of lethargy, weight gain and so on.
There are several key pointsnecessary for good posture.
First, the legs must be straight. Surprisingly, a very large number of people do not walk on straight legs, but slightly bent at the knees. Such a setting is unacceptable for proper posture and a healthy back. The thoracic region should protrude slightly forward, while the lumbar region should be kept straight or with minimal flexion. Finally, the shoulders are turned back and down, the neck is in a straight line with the spine.
We live in a world where modern man spends most of his time in a sitting position. In this regard, the question of the correct setting of the back while sitting is very relevant. First of all, the legs are bent at the knees and the feet are flat on the floor. Many people like to stretch their legs forward, thereby creating a load on the hips. Further, the spine is in a neutral position, the shoulders are pulled back, the chest protrudes slightly forward. Keep your back straight and make sure your neck does not bulge forward.
Working on your posture, like any long-term habit, requires patience and careful observation of yourself. This is everyday work, day after day, which is worth doing.
— Morihei Ueshiba, founder of Aikido