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Good posture
creates internal space necessary to maintain diaphragmatic breathing.
Zen and Hatha Yoga breathing exercises are taught in a lotus position
which demands a straight back. A straight lower back allows for
easier transmission of nerve impulses and helps one experience
the ebb and flow of internal energy as part of and connected to
"The Field" of energy as popularized in Lynne Taggart's
writing.
The
spine houses the nerve fibers that connect organs (heart, lungs,
stomach, kidneys) and tissues to the central power supply. Millions
of tiny fibers run through and twine around the spine. Bad posture
distorts the natural curve of the spine, impinges on nerves and
interferes with energy transmission.
For
decades posture was taught as an imperative for attractive appearance.
The focus was on shoulders back, chest out and stomach sucked
in. This advise is superficial and can interfere with basics of
good health and physical grace.
*Sucking in the stomach makes it impossible to breath diaphragmatically.
*When shoulders are pulled back without corrected back-posture,
shoulder
and neck tension are experienced, often due to a sway-back.
Exercises:
1) Study your posture in a full length mirror. Are both sides
identical or is one shoulder and hip higher or lower than the
other? Is the head tilted to left or right side? Walk toward the
mirror from a distance. Watch for a balanced gait. Check out the
side view. You may be surprised by what you see.
2)
Straighten the lower back by placing an imaginary board from the
tip
of the tail-bone to the mid-torso. Notice: the knees must bend
slightly in order to straighten the lower back. The back can't
remain straight with stiff, pogo-stick legs. As the knees straighten,
the pelvis shifts backward to maintain balance while the head
and neck shift forward. Looking in the mirror, bend the knees
slightly and notice the sway-back disappear immediately. The shoulders
fall into place with the head centered directly over the tail-bone.
In this position it's impossible to slump shoulders, sway the
back or carry the head out of alignment.
Sway-backs
are responsible for lower back, shoulder and neck discomfort.
The weight of the body should rest in the pelvis not in the upper
body. Pelvic floor support is good for digestion.
Sway backs are visually unattractive. Clothes can't hang as designed.
The stomach sticks out and the buttocks protrude. The waist looks
thicker from the front view because the hips are carried in a
backward direction.
3)
Stand with lower back against the wall. Push the lower back toward
the wall until the space behind the waist disappears. Become familiar
with the feeling before stepping away from the wall. Never step
onto straight knees or stand with locked knees.
4)
When seated keep the lower back straight from the tail bone up
to the
solar plexus. Don't allow the shoulders to slump forward and keep
both feet flat on the floor. This will prevent many of the aches
and pains associated with sitting at a computer all day.
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