Yoga for Backache

A short excerpt on posture from Yoga for Backache 
produced in 1965

It has been suggested that man stood upright too soon in his evolution; that the effort of balancing on two feet instead of standing squarely on four strains bones, organs and nerves. 

However that may be, the spine and two-footed creatures has had to assume the additional functions of keeping the body upright. In this it fights a constant battle against the forces of Central gravity which, while holding us to the earth's surface, also exert a downward pull on the whole organism. The effects of gravity, so well known to the ancient yogis, is often overlooked in the treatment of modern maladies.

This is one reason why standing for long periods is so tiring. When the posture is bad the strain on spine is increased; the nerve fibres and muscles attached to it are affected.

If the neck and back are held in one straight line – as taught in yoga – the head is carried comfortably by the spinal column, but when it is poked forward muscles and spine must train to support the weight. 

The vertebrae could become displaced and nerves and blood vessel subjected to pressure. Similarly, if the stomach is constantly protruded the back takes the strain, as in pregnancy, since it is the back wall of the abdominal cavity.

Weak, neglected, underdeveloped back muscles, sloppiness in sitting and standing will cause and increase bad posture. Fortunately it is a habit that response to yoga training, specially to spinal exercises and to stretching and balancing asanas.