CONNECTIONS to HEALTH

Posture, Shoes and General Health "Better than 90 percent of the energy output of the brain is used in relating the physical body to the gravitational field. The more mechanically distorted a person is, the less energy available for thinking, metabolism and healing." Roger Sperry, PhD. Medical Nobel Prize winner for brain research, 1981. Our posture is a reflection of the way our body is relating to the gravitational field surrounding this wonderful planet we live on. Once we become structurally out of alignment then our relationship with the gravitational field is compromised. This results over time in changes in the posture, this may be a rounding of the shoulders, a flattening of the curve in the lower back, a protruding abdomen or tight calf muscles. One of the easiest ways of bringing about changes in the posture is to wear shoes with a positive heel which is just about every pair of shoes that every one of us wears! When shoes were first developed they were flat and allowed the foot to be used in the correct anatomical way. However the shoe makers noticed that the shoes soon became worn so they introduced a slight heel (positive heel) which threw the weight of the body more onto the ball of the foot and the toes. This meant that the shoes lasted longer but that the bodies relationship with gravity was altered leading to postural distortions and eventually diminished physical, mental and emotional health. Here are some examples of health challenges that can be exaggerated by positive heeled shoes: Lower Back Pain Neck Problems Lower Back Pain Rib Blockages Metatarsalgia Osteoporosis Plantar Fasciitis Hallux Valgus Heel Spurs Arthritis Multiple Sclerosis ME Club Foot Flat Foot Rehabilitation from injuries In the 1960's a lady named Anne Kalso developed negative heel shoes to counteract the effect of the positive heeled shoes that everyone was wearing and inadvertently reduced the amount of energy that people were using to deal with the earths gravitational field. Wearing negative heels has been shown to re-align the posture allowing the core inner postural muscles to work as nature intended and over time they will strengthen. Back, stomach, buttock and leg muscles will become firm and toned. Improving your posture allows the diaphragm to relax and the rib cage move more freely. You will feel invigorated and energised as your body benefits from deeper, healthier breathing. Recent research has found that poor posture can have a negative effect on a person's mental health, for example there appears to be a high correlation between poor posture and depression. Improving your posture can lead to a sense of well being with the resultant reduction in depression. Today these negative heel shoes are known as Earth Shoes. Earth shoes mimic the action of walking barefoot in the sand and on uneven terrain. The unique shape of the shoe with its negative heel keeps the toes up and the body leaning slightly backwards, the stomach pulled in, and the spine straightened into proper alignment, mirroring the effect of walking barefoot in the sand. The shoes work as shown below: 1 .The first point of contact is the heel. 2. Weight shifts to the outside of the foot. 3. Weight is distributed evenly at the metatarsal area of the ball. 4. Weight moves to the large toe from which point we spring into our next step This aligns your spine and relaxes your body, making walking seem effortless. As a result : Head is straight Shoulders roll back Breathing is better Spine and pelvis align Back pain disappears Earth shoes are generally available via the internet at www.lovethoseshoes.co.uk. They also have lots of information explaining how they work.  Check it out! If you go to the site soon then the sale may still be on or go to the bargain basement as some of the old style shoes/sandals/boots can be a 50% off. Here at the Ishta Centre many of the therapists have several pairs each and find them very comfortable.

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