POSTURE CRIMES - CROSSING ARMS

Healthy function of our nerves and spinal cord requires support from the ribs. Each rib connects to the spine. When the ribs lift, the spine elongates, opening the spaces between the vertebrae, allowing plenty of room for the disks and emerging spinal nerves. Lifting the ribs and arching the shoulder blades gives our spine and nervous system the best chance for health and strength.

When you cross your arms your ribs sag. Sagging ribs compress spinal disks and nerves!

Compression on the nerves interrupts the nerve signals that direct our organs, muscles, and bones. Interrupted nerve signal can cause muscle fatigue, spasm, numbness, or intense pain. Nerves, and disks are not designed to bear weight; but to be protected by the muscle action of the uplifted ribcage and elongated springy spine. Crossing the arms makes the ribs sag, driving weight directly on the spine, nerves and disks causing tension, fatigue, stiffness, weakness and pain.

Crossing your arms compresses the spine.

When the ribs sag, the shoulder blades sag. Sagging shoulder blades drops the chest and compresses the neck, jaw, and low back!

Crossing your arms compresses your joints. Compressing your joints causes inflammation!

In terms of body language crossed arms makes no sense either. People tend to cross their arms because they don’t know what to do with them! Crossed arms is a sign of concealment, of nervousness or fear. Making a habit of fearful gestures only exacerbates fatigue and anxiety. No unconscious habit is worth that price.

The remedy for crossed arms is easy: Lift up your heart! The higher your ribs lift the better your spine will feel.

If you’re sitting; just place your finger tips on your knees, gently pull back and twist your shoulder blades inward – your ribs will lift right away. Hold for a few seconds and repeat 3x. If you’re standing; rest your palms on your upper thighs and gently press back. As your palms press back, arch your shoulder blades and you’ll feel your ribs lift right up. Hold for a few seconds and repeat 3x. Enjoy your new springy, confident shape.