LOGICAL ANALYSIS OF POSTURE: CONTROL OF POSTURE

Similarly posture is maintained by the subconscious brain. Again it shows the incredible ingenuity of Nature. Imagine the planning, the power and the skill that went into such a unique system of precise balance and posture control. A thousand computers could not mimic this effect. The body stands erect as a result of synchronised action by billions of individual muscle fibres controlled by an equal number of nerve impulses. The result is perfect balance and erect posture. Generally speaking there are several individual forces that act simultaneously to achieve the following:aTo create an anti-gravitational force equal to the weight of the body plus the force required to keep the spine erect so that the delicate discs and joint surfaces are not traumatised by the weight of the body (the joints of the lower limbs are taken into consideration besides the spinal joints).bTo prevent the body from falling over by creating opposite forces within the body that act from all directions to counteract gravitational forces that might want to topple the body. This is so obvious and can be felt clearly when standing on one leg or walking with eyes shut. One can then feel the tightening and loosening of various muscles in the spine and legs that coordinate so that the body does not fall.cTo keep the head, spine, legs and feet aligned so that the various discs and joints are maintained in a harmonious and comfortable position. The idea is to minimise the trauma to them while they carry out their normal functions. While walking, sitting and playing sports, the body acquires all sorts of different positions and postures with the help of muscles and joints. The muscles of the body, particularly the ones controlled by the subconscious brain, work continuously to keep up with what the conscious brain wants by facilitating such postures or positions as well as preventing trauma to the various discs, joints and other parts of the body.dTo support the abdominal organs. Most of the organs are in front of the spine (heart, liver, intestines, etc). Therefore there is a tendency to fall flat on one’s face. Spinal muscles coordinate and create a ‘pulley force’ that brings the body to a balanced erect position.All these forces act in perfect coordination with each other and the subconscious brain is in full charge of the situation. However, the functions of posture can also be consciously guided, like breathing muscles (diaphragm, intercostal muscles) which, although involuntary in most part, are also controllable. As will be discussed later, my technique for backache, the Alexander technique, Pilates and the Feldenkrais Method take full account of this fact. Posture can therefore be maintained and controlled. Nature has therefore given us dual control over these muscles so that when necessary the conscious brain has a say in the body’s matters. Like everything else, it is an acquired skill and one has to make an effort to work towards a better posture. Writing, driving, correct pronunciation of words etc are all acquired skills. Posture too comes under this category and therefore is not fully automatic. It can be controlled at will. This is again another marvel of Nature.*51\330\8*

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