Those working in a post-pandemic world are all too familiar with surging amounts of spine related issues – back pain, tightness in the hip, and loss of flexibility in the hamstrings. The increase in these conditions can be attributed to the drastic change in lifestyle since the advent of COVID-19. While we have all adapted to work-from-home or hybrid work life, it has become increasingly common for people to spend more time that before hunched over a laptop.
Ayurvedic practitioners advocate for the importance of movement, lubrication of the joints, and frequent stretching to keep the muscles supple and flexible, helping blood flow, agility, and youthfulness of the body. Overall posture correction, and regular care of the spine and muscles, can ensure that your body retains alignment even through long days of sitting or strenuous and repetitive activities
How do I know my posture is right?
There is no such thing as perfect posture, just as there is no such thing as a perfect body. Good posture is that which keeps the spine in a neutral position, such that the surrounding muscles and ligaments are aligned and developed enough to support the body through its daily activities. Correct posture places the body in an alignment such that stress is properly distributed to the intended muscles and ligaments.
Poor posture can creep up on you without you realising it. There are several kinds of mis-alignment, including a habitual pushing forward of the head, a protrusion of the chest forward, an exaggerated backward push of the shoulders, or even a rotation of the pelvic girdle towards the back.
Some symptoms that you may have poor posture:
- Back, body, or muscle pain
- Frequent headaches
- Rounded shoulders
- Pot belly
- Neck pain
- Bent knees while standing
How do I correct poor posture?
If you spend a lot of time in a single position, or stationed in front of a computer, daily exercises and yoga routines can help in correcting posture and keeping the body agile. Every hour or so, practice simple neck rotations, spinal rolls, or toe-touches to keep the muscles along the spine active and strong.
If your day involves repetitive movements like carrying heavy objects, driving a vehicle, dancing, or playing a sport, ensure that you stretch on a regular basis, keep track of your nutrition, and consult an Ayurvedic physician or physiotherapist periodically to correct any mis-alignments before they turn into injuries.
What are the benefits of good posture?
The right posture can keep your body agile and youthful for longer. Proper alignment while both sitting and standing improves blood flow, helps keep nerves and blood vessels healthy, and supports your muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Those who make a habit of using correct posture are also far less likely to experience back and neck pain.
To get the advice of an expert Ayurvedic physician on your underlying cause for back pain, consider booking a consultation call with the team at Amal Tamara to explore what an restorative Ayurvedic experience can do for your quality of life!
