Posture for Health

We are all told, from the time that we are little children, to hold ourselves correctly. A good posture is good for your health. Many people grow up with this knowledge but they have never been told why it is so important to carry yourself well.
If the spine is not held straight and we start to slouch, not only is there a physical crowding of the lungs, heart, liver and other major organs, but we can induce spinal problems which can affect the nerve supply to the internal organs.

The first osteopaths back in the 1880's realised that when there were problems with the vertebral column, health problems often followed. This is why they set about to develop techniques for correcting spinal imbalances. A healthy, functional spine will allow for healthy, normal nerve impulses to the internal organs.

Problems often start in childhood with heavy school bags being carried on one shoulder, poor sitting posture in the classroom, long periods spent slouching in front of television and computers etc. Levels of exercise and outdoor pursuits are falling in both children and adults. This general lack of fitness leads to physical imbalances not only in the spine but in all areas of the body. Yoga, Thai Chi and Pilates are all systems of exercise which specifically address the postural issue. We recommend regular cardio-vascular exercise (walking, running, cycling) with a weekly class or home practice of yoga or the like. It is a good idea to have a bodywork treatment a least once every 3-4 months to stay on top of tensions and imbalances that build up over time.

Finally, stay happy! A happy, confident and enthusiastic person is generally an upright posturally well aligned individual. If we tend to get down in the dumps, our posture will follow, slumping forwards with all the congestion and compromised function in the organs mentioned above.