Last updated on January 17th, 2019

Posture Theory 1

Our Experience

What Good Posture Looks Like

  • Head up
  • Looking straight ahead
  • Chest is up
  • Shoulders relaxed
  • Hip weight even above your feet

Good posture is seen as feeling tall and confidant. When the head is up the eyes will be set so you are looking forward. The chest is slightly elevated and not collapsed. The chest open will allow good breathing and better circulation.

Shoulders should be relaxed and your hands are at your side. Many people with poor posture will allow their hips to pivot forward. A sway back or flat back is an example of hips that are tipped in an unhealthy way.

What Good Posture Feels Like

So how does it feel to be in a body that has good posture?

Emotionally

You now know that having good posture means you look good but it also means that you will be exerting less energy being in a good posture and that translates into your brain working smarter not harder. You see, the brain constantly receives information from your posture whether it’s good or bad. When you have bad posture signals sent to the brain, it’s like static on a bad phone line. This static interference disrupts equilibrium, cognitive function and even emotions. When a corrected posture is reached people express with surprise how much more joy and less depression they experience. Many people feel a lightness they didn’t have before having good posture. This is because expression of your emotions are represented in your posture and your posture affects your emotions.

Interestingly, a research study demonstrated an association between body symmetry and higher sexual prowess, physical dominance, emotional stability, and fidelity (1). The study tells us that high body symmetry demonstrated greater personal vibrancy and vitality. Symmetry means you have good posture and if you have good posture it means you are looking great!

Physically

When your posture is good you have an open chest, a raised head, shoulders are rolled back, and the body is relaxed. A balance posture is more efficient and offers better biomechanics. Better movement will enable less wear and tear and reduce the likelihood of injury. People with good posture can expect to have less pain that can range from reduction in headaches and back pain to relief of discomfort in their feet.

There is also a correlation between posture and organ dysfunction. The connection is through the nervous system and blood pressure is one such function linked with poor neck posture. During a clinical research study blood pressure lowered with the improved alignment of the upper neck (cervical) region(2). The effects of posture are profound and significant.

How You Move With Good Posture

Having good posture in a static position (standing or sitting still) is one thing but having good posture with movement is a true test of healthy posture. Imagine lifting a box, getting out of your car, standing up from a lying down position – all require integration of a body that is properly aligned, flexible and strong. Having good posture isn’t only important when sitting or standing, it’s also important during your daily dynamic movement. Healthy complex human movements are based in good posture.

Check out more about Good Posture.

References:

(1) Scheib, Gangestand and Thornhill (1999)

(2) https://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/news/20070316/chiropractic-cuts-blood-pressure#1

Dr. Paul Paez, DC, NRT, NET, CMT

National Board Certified Doctor of Chiropractic (DC), trained in clinical nutrition (NRT), neuro-emotional release (NET), and Massage Therapy (CMT). Dr. Paul holds the rare triple distinction of Certified Posture Expert, Certified Posture Neurologist and Certified Posture Ergonomist by the American Posture Institute. Posture Possible is the very best resource for posture information.