Side view of poor posture

Once out of alignment, gravity and daily activity will further exacerbate the back and posture problems identified below. This can result in physical and energetic obstructions as well as pain. The grey outlines indicate proper posture.

Front view of poor posture

Using the blue lines below as a guide you can see how different parts of the body move out of alignment (shoulders, arms, hips, and legs.) These structural imbalances are reinforced by habit and can create aches and pain.

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Ideal Posture

The body is an integrated connection of parts and lives within a gravitational field. This field can either support or aggravate the body. To understand musculosketetal and soft tissue pain, especially back pain, look at the overall structure of the body first and see where it is out of alignment and lacking symmetry. If you balance and realign these imbalances you can consider other important contributing factors. When the pelvis is in neutral alignment with the S-curve of the spine overall balance is facilitated. In this case body weight will be distributed evenly over the front, back, and sides of both feet. The back of the neck will be lengthened, allowing the chin to level with the ground.

"The Simplest thing to remember when it comes to creating good posture and protecting your back is to raise your chect slightly while tucking your chin in clightly and relaxing the abdomen."