This month has been national Good Posture Month. In the latest ‘Health Monthly’ feature for A Little Bit of Stone, Sue Weller from The Ishta Centre explains why good posture is so important and gives a simple self-help technique to improve yours…
[dropcap]H[/dropcap]ere at the Ishta Centre we are passionate about good posture. This following excerpt from an article helps to explain why:
Posture affects and moderates every physiological function from breathing to hormonal production. Spinal pain, headache, mood, blood pressure, pulse, and lung capacity are also among the functions influenced by posture. Posture especially influences respiration, oxygenation and sympathetic function. Ultimately, it appears that homeostasis and autonomic regulation are intimately connected with posture. It has been clinically observed that many symptoms, including pain, may be moderated or eliminated by improved posture.”
The American Journal of Pain Management (1994; 4:36-39)
So you can see that correct posture is more then just about looking good. It affects virtually all the functions in your body.
The Supra-Sternal Lift
This is a simple self-help technique you can use to improve your posture. The little notch between your collar bones is called the supra-sternal notch. Gently press it with a finger for a few seconds then take your finger away. You should still be able the feel your supra-sternal notch. Simply lift it upwards towards your head (take care not to lift your chin up at the same time). That’s all there is to it!
You can do this anywhere – standing, sitting, lying down, or even riding a bike! Even though this is a very simple exercise, it can dramatically improve the posture by moving your head, chest and lower back into their correct positions simultaneously. Try it now. Stand upright and relaxed then perform the supra-sternal lift. Did you feel your weight go backwards on to your heels as your posture corrected?
The benefits of doing this regularly include:
- Reducing forward head posture and tension in the neck
- Decreases any hump in the upper back
- Relieves stress on the postural muscles
- Reduces pressure on the joints
- The chest lifts up and lung capacity increases
- Abdominal pressure decreases
- Improves the curves in the spine
- Relieves stress on the lower back
- Look and feel smarter, more confident and secure in yourself.
If you find it difficult to maintain the supra-sternal lift, don’t be put off. Just keep practising regularly. If you find you continue to slump it may be that your centre of gravity is out of alignment. Throughout the month of May we are offering FREE posture checks to anyone who wants one. Please ring 01785 616010 to book in.
[box type=”info” align=”aligncenter” ]For further information about anything in this article contact either Sue or Allyn at the Ishta Centre on 01785 616010 or at mail@ishtacentre.co.uk[/box]
