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Tips: Posture
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Posture
For many of us our bodies get accustomed to a
bearing that is not natural or comfortable. For
instance, many people experience emotional stress or
tension with a tightening of muscle in their
shoulders and neck. Observation of individuals with
asthma or breathing problems shows us that their
shoulders curve in to protect their lungs. These are
just 2 ways that emotions and health issues can
affect posture and vice versa.
Posture is a very important way we can reduce or
eliminate many health issues including neck pain,
back pain, digestive issues, breathing difficulties,
headache, fatigue, etc. Good posture can even make
you seem thinner.
The below information will assist you to have proper
alignment in a standing position. However, please
keep in mind that we are designed for motion, and
holding any position, even if you are in perfect
alignment, for hours at a time can contribute to
pain and discomfort.
Shiatsu is very helpful in breaking bad postural
habits, and relieving the pain associated with them.
I encourage you to get regular treatments rather
than waiting until you have a serious health issue.
Standing
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1.
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Stand with feet shoulder width
apart. |
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2.
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The muscles in your thighs and
calves should be elongated without locking your
knees. |
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3.
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Your hips should be directly above
your feet. The pelvis should be in a neutral
position with the tailbone slightly tucked
underneath you. |
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4.
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Your stomach should be slightly
tucked in, and you should allow for a curve in your
lower back. |
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5.
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Lift the breastbone to the sky. As
you do this, the shoulder blades will move down your
back. This should create length from your hipbone to
your rib cage. |
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6.
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Make sure your chin is level.
Lengthen the neck towards the ceiling making the
highest part of your body the top of the back of
your head. |
Once you have completed these steps take some
deep breaths and scan your body for areas of
discomfort or tension. Try to let these areas go,
and if that is not possible for you at this point,
just notice where they are. Do NOT beat yourself up
because you are unable to release the area between
your shoulder blades. Just acknowledging that it is
there is enough.
In a seated position the upper body remains the
same. The lower body should have your legs bent at
90 degrees with your feet flat on the floor. Your
buttocks should touch the back of your chair.
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A final note on posture: “Trusting your bones to
hold you upright, let everything else, your flesh,
fluids and energy descend groundwards. This has the
effect of rooting you like a tree to the earth. As
skeletal structure gives you horizontal and vertical
hold everything else in and on you sinks
earthwards.” The Barefoot Doctor’s Handbook for the
Urban Warrior |
The Carol Culhane, Shiatsu Therapist
website is intended as a reference
and information source only, and not
as medical advice. This site is not
a substitute for professional care,
and must not be used for self
diagnosis or treatment. We urge you
to seek medical advice for any
healthcare issue. Liability to any
person(s) for any loss or damage
caused by errors, omissions, or
inaccuracies on this website is
hereby disclaimed. |
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