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Todd ConcklinWe have all heard that proper posture is very important. But how many of us know what the consequences of poor posture and the benefits of correct posture really are? How many of us even know what good posture is and how to attain it?
Proper posture is really just aligning your skeletal system so that it resists gravity with minimal stress and effort.
Some Ill Effects Of Poor Posture:Compression of vital organs and the space they should have to function: When we are slouched and out of proper alignment our vital organs can become compressed and/or forced to operate in a smaller space then they were designed to. This can dramatically reduce their effective functioning.
Impeded flow of Chi (Vital energy): Improper posture stops Chi from flowing evenly and efficiently. Think of a garden hose. Does the water flow better when it is straight or when it is kinked? It is the same with your meridians (chi pathways). When the flow of chi is restricted, either an excess or a deficiency of chi will occur. Over time, either can cause disease.
Increased stress on joints and surrounding tissue: The positioning of the body is important to the joints in the way that gravity effects them. Proper alignment of the skeletal structure will put less stress on the joints. Over time excess stress on the joints can cause joint wear and/or modification.
Negative emotional state caused by poor posture: Here is an exercise you can try: Sit up straight in a fully energized position with good posture for a couple of minutes. See what emotions naturally occur. Next, slump down in your chair with your head hung low. See what emotions naturally occur. Did you notice an increased feeling of energy and positive emotions in the first position? How was that different from the second position? Lastly, try to feel positive feelings in the slumped position and negative feelings in the upright, energized position. It is harder to do, isn't it? This is an exaggeration of your normal postures but it makes an excellent point of how posture can effect your mood.
Shallow breathing caused by poor posture: While seated, slump down in your chair with your head hung low again. Now try to take a nice deep breath. How did it feel? Next sit up again in the fully energized position in proper posture. Take your nice deep breath now. You can see that the lungs are able to function much better when they are not compressed by improper posture.
Points To Consider In Obtaining Proper Standing Posture:
Feet are about shoulder width apart.
All parts of the feet are contacting the floor (toes, balls, heel, bottom of blade).
Weight is equal on both feet.
No subtle strain on hips from leaning in any direction.
Knees approximately over balls of foot (not past).
Place your focus on your center (lower dan tien) space between belly button and sexual organ in the middle of body.
Coccyx (tailbone) slightly tucked. (Helps straighten and lengthen spine.)
Slight space under armpits.
No tightness or raised shoulders.
Scapulae (shoulder blades) slightly rounded.
Chin slightly back and tucked in.
Feeling of being pulled up from the crown of the head. (as if hanging from a string attached to the ceiling to the top of your head).
For extended sitting try to keep the spine straight - use any of the principles for standing that you can apply. Frequent breaks are recommended for long periods of sitting. Even if you get up for 5-10 seconds every 10-15 minutes and stretch it is much better for you then just staying in a seated position.
Correcting your posture will help give you more energy and better health. During the day if you realize that your posture is off just take a second to correct it. Eventually it will become second nature. While standing in lines at stores, talking on the phone or working etc. think about having correct posture.
Correct posture will also give you better balance and a more grounded stance. This is very important in self-defense and martial arts.
About the Author:
Todd Concklin
Concklin Internet Affiliates
PO Box 605
Montgomery, NY 12549
Todd@safe-t-defense.com
For more information on functional fitness go to: http://www.back-in-shape-at-home.com/musclefitness.html
Todd has practiced martial arts for over 20 years and has a special interest in QiGong and healing arts.
