Posture at the Level of the Feet

When a person finds out that I am a Posturist, their immediate subconscious reaction is to sit up straighter. The way one stands is a partial indicator of one’s posture, but I look at so much more. Yes, shoulders and chest are very visible indicators of posture. However, the lower body tells me so much more. Posture begins at the lowest possible level; it begins at the level of the feet.

The feet are the support system of the legs and the pelvis, which are the foundation of posture. When the feet are on a flat surface, then the pelvis can also be flat and vertical. Having the pelvis straight up and down allows the body to balance itself properly on its own axis.

Many things occur when the pelvis is misaligned. When the pelvis is tilted top-forward

• The spine rests awkwardly on the sacrum

• The organs compress atop each other

• The ribcage collapses a little

• Weight and balance are maintained awkwardly by the body

• The feet are turned, the arches fall, and the strides shorten

Today let’s talk about arch support. Here is a little-known secret: The arches of the feet are supported by the connective tissue attachments in the pelvis. When the pelvis tips top forward, the arches of the feet fall inward. The weight of the body goes to odd parts of the foot, and the feet respond by turning toes-out, or toes-in.

How the body compensates for this pelvis-feet misalignment may cause numerous common foot problems, such as: bunions, bone spurs, “flat feet”, plantar fascitis, pronation, foot numbness, hammer toes, supination, heel pain, etc.

When you are standing, perfect posture starts at the feet. Here are some rules to get you started:

1) The higher the heel, the less often you should wear them. Flat shoes are perfect for everything. However, if you must wear heels, do it like rich dessert: Not that often and not for very long.

2) IF you wear rigid shoes, ie work boots, remove them and wiggle your feet and toes to restore circulation.

3) Do stretches to improve hip flexibility.

I recommend Reposturing Stretches Step-Up Lunge and Standing Quad Stretch