Changes

96.4. The Spine

96.4. The Spine

96.5. Correct Postural Maintenance Vital To Wellness 96.6. Exercise—General

96.5. Correct Postural Maintenance Vital To Wellness  

 

96.6. Exercise—General

96.7. Questions & Answers

96.7. Questions & Answers

Because of the nature of this discussion, there seems to be no valid point in quizzing students on the lesson content. This lesson should therefore be used as a point of refer- ence, among others which may be available, in planning corrective exercises for specific individuals having a well-defined structural defect which, in our best judgment, seems to limit their potential wellness.

Because of the nature of this discussion, there seems to be no valid point in quizzing students on the lesson content. This lesson should therefore be used as a point of refer- ence, among others which may be available, in planning corrective exercises for specific individuals having a well-defined structural defect which, in our best judgment, seems to limit their potential wellness.

96.2. What Is A Corrective Exercise?

== What Is A Corrective Exercise? ==

 

96.2.1 How Do Corrective Exercises Differ from Other Kinds of Exercises?

96.2.1 How Do Corrective Exercises Differ from Other Kinds of Exercises?

# To hold the bones in position both in rest and in movement.  Muscles are differentiated from the various and several ligaments which are simply sheets of fibrous tissue which connect two or more bones, cartilages, or other structures; or they serve to support the fasciae or muscles and retain organs in place.  Every muscle and each ligament has received a specific name and is registered in the complex volumes of medical nomenclature, but such precise terminology is not a necessary part of a Hygienist’s training unless s/he so desires. There are many medical reference books to supply such information.  It should be remembered that it is the stronger muscles and their accompanying and therefore stronger tendons that become shortened, while the weaker muscles and their tendons become lengthened and weaker over the years.  Such changes are accompanied, in general, by a corresponding change in the length and strength of the ligaments and often, too, in the shape of the bone, and especially so in the ends of the bones where articulation occurs. Dr. Herbert M. Shelton provides an example of what may occur as when there exists a concave curvature of the spine, there simultaneously develops a shortening of the side muscles, tendons and ligaments of the individual thus impaired.  In working with clients, it must be remembered that forcing is always contraindicat- ed. Bones cannot be carried beyond their prescribed normal range of movement without causing injury to the ligaments attached to or near the joint being moved. It is these liga- ments that bind the bones and permit their articulatory movement. Damaged and injured ligaments can prove extremely painful and difficult to heal.  It is the counterbalancing effect of muscles together with the constant turnover of cells that gives effectiveness to corrective exercises.

# To hold the bones in position both in rest and in movement.  Muscles are differentiated from the various and several ligaments which are simply sheets of fibrous tissue which connect two or more bones, cartilages, or other structures; or they serve to support the fasciae or muscles and retain organs in place.  Every muscle and each ligament has received a specific name and is registered in the complex volumes of medical nomenclature, but such precise terminology is not a necessary part of a Hygienist’s training unless s/he so desires. There are many medical reference books to supply such information.  It should be remembered that it is the stronger muscles and their accompanying and therefore stronger tendons that become shortened, while the weaker muscles and their tendons become lengthened and weaker over the years.  Such changes are accompanied, in general, by a corresponding change in the length and strength of the ligaments and often, too, in the shape of the bone, and especially so in the ends of the bones where articulation occurs. Dr. Herbert M. Shelton provides an example of what may occur as when there exists a concave curvature of the spine, there simultaneously develops a shortening of the side muscles, tendons and ligaments of the individual thus impaired.  In working with clients, it must be remembered that forcing is always contraindicat- ed. Bones cannot be carried beyond their prescribed normal range of movement without causing injury to the ligaments attached to or near the joint being moved. It is these liga- ments that bind the bones and permit their articulatory movement. Damaged and injured ligaments can prove extremely painful and difficult to heal.  It is the counterbalancing effect of muscles together with the constant turnover of cells that gives effectiveness to corrective exercises.

96.3. Deformity Is Widespread

== Deformity Is Widespread ==

 

96.3.1 What Causes Deformities?

96.3.1 What Causes Deformities?

# Kyphosis,atermusedtoindicateanaccentuationofthebackwardcurveofthethoracic  spine. Kyphosis is a condition which imparts a rounded or hunched appearance since the convexity of the curve is outwards. The degree of curvature, of course, will vary from individual to individual, with some being acute, others less so.

# Kyphosis,atermusedtoindicateanaccentuationofthebackwardcurveofthethoracic  spine. Kyphosis is a condition which imparts a rounded or hunched appearance since the convexity of the curve is outwards. The degree of curvature, of course, will vary from individual to individual, with some being acute, others less so.

# Lordosis,ortheoppositethrustofthespinewithanexaggerationoftheforwardcurveof the spine causing the condition familiarly known as “sway back,” or hollow back. Lor- dosis is usually accompanied by awkward movement of the buttocks in walking since the deformity often extends to the pelvic area.

# Lordosis,ortheoppositethrustofthespinewithanexaggerationoftheforwardcurveof the spine causing the condition familiarly known as “sway back,” or hollow back. Lor- dosis is usually accompanied by awkward movement of the buttocks in walking since the deformity often extends to the pelvic area.

# Scoliosis,atermusedtoindicatetheside-to-sidecurveofthespinalcolumnwithcurva- ture either to the left or right to form either a C curve or to both the left and the right to form an S curve. The affected person tends to “list” to one side.  Any or all of the above deformities can be multiple in kind as, for example, a com- bination of both kyphosis and lordosis; or one or more can be combined with individual vertebral malformations and/or rotations of one or more of the vertebrae of the spine.  Spinal abnormalities sometimes appear at birth, perhaps during the growing years, but they usually just creep up on a person as he slowly deteriorates biologically over the years. Generally speaking, the above deformities will usually be the kind that will come to the attention of the Hygienists after they have been well developed.  Spinal abnormalities, which are far and away the most common, and regardless of how classified, generally develop silently and stealthily, without pain. It is interesting to note that perhaps as much as 30 percent of the bone structure can deteriorate before such deterioration can be detected by X rays.  According to the Scoliosis Research Society of the American Academy of Or- thopaedic Surgeons, about 10 percent of the adolescent population have some degree of scoliosis. Parenthetically, scoliosis should not be confused with poor posture.  The Scoliosis Foundation states that “there are currently no medications to treat sco- liosis, nor can its onset be prevented.” Hygienists would agree that the condition cannot be “treated” with drugs but do not agree that such a deformity cannot be “prevented.” The human body, like all living things, always tends to grow toward perfection when given the proper tools. We agree with the Foundation in saying that the treatment is me- chanical, but we go further in that in any program designed to correct any deformity, it is necessary to employ all the known requisites of organic existence as and when re- quired and as present capacity indicates, these used in conjunction with certain exercises specifically designed to correct the existing defect. 96.4. The Spine  96.4.1 Not Just a Cosmetic Problem  96.4.2 The Missing Ingredients

# Scoliosis,atermusedtoindicatetheside-to-sidecurveofthespinalcolumnwithcurva- ture either to the left or right to form either a C curve or to both the left and the right to form an S curve. The affected person tends to “list” to one side.  Any or all of the above deformities can be multiple in kind as, for example, a com- bination of both kyphosis and lordosis; or one or more can be combined with individual vertebral malformations and/or rotations of one or more of the vertebrae of the spine.  Spinal abnormalities sometimes appear at birth, perhaps during the growing years, but they usually just creep up on a person as he slowly deteriorates biologically over the years. Generally speaking, the above deformities will usually be the kind that will come to the attention of the Hygienists after they have been well developed.  Spinal abnormalities, which are far and away the most common, and regardless of how classified, generally develop silently and stealthily, without pain. It is interesting to note that perhaps as much as 30 percent of the bone structure can deteriorate before such deterioration can be detected by X rays.  According to the Scoliosis Research Society of the American Academy of Or- thopaedic Surgeons, about 10 percent of the adolescent population have some degree of scoliosis. Parenthetically, scoliosis should not be confused with poor posture.  The Scoliosis Foundation states that “there are currently no medications to treat sco- liosis, nor can its onset be prevented.” Hygienists would agree that the condition cannot be “treated” with drugs but do not agree that such a deformity cannot be “prevented.” The human body, like all living things, always tends to grow toward perfection when given the proper tools. We agree with the Foundation in saying that the treatment is me- chanical, but we go further in that in any program designed to correct any deformity, it is necessary to employ all the known requisites of organic existence as and when re- quired and as present capacity indicates, these used in conjunction with certain exercises specifically designed to correct the existing defect.

 

== The Spine  ==

96.4.1 Not Just a Cosmetic Problem  96.4.2 The Missing Ingredients

96.4.3 How to Detect Spinal Abnormalities

96.4.3 How to Detect Spinal Abnormalities

# Resttheweightofthebodyontheextendedrightarmandonrightfoot.Placelefthand behind head. Now lower the hips until they touch the floor. From this position, bring the body up and raise the hips until the body is arched. Lower and repeat. Therapist should support and assist on first doing this exercise and it should not be attempted until back, stomach and side muscles have shown progress.

# Resttheweightofthebodyontheextendedrightarmandonrightfoot.Placelefthand behind head. Now lower the hips until they touch the floor. From this position, bring the body up and raise the hips until the body is arched. Lower and repeat. Therapist should support and assist on first doing this exercise and it should not be attempted until back, stomach and side muscles have shown progress.

# Perform exercise no. 7 from the opposite side, resting the body weight on the feet, ex- tending the left arm.  96.5. Correct Postural Maintenance Vital To Wellness  96.5.1 Pain  96.5.2 Sports Injuries  96.5.3 How to Keep a Straight Back and Improve Posture  96.5.4 If There Is a Back Injury, Certain Common Habits Should Be Overcome The posture of the average American and also that of many others we have observed in our travels is in a sad state. Many deviations from the norm can be observed, espe- cially in the natural curves of the spine. Postural defects are less serious than scoliotic ailments which represent degenerative changes brought about by incorrect habits of liv- ing. Postural defects can be more easily corrected than scoliotic abnormalities and in a shorter time.  It is important for the individual to maintain good posture for when the body parts are balanced and integrated, arranged naturally in a flexible manner, with energy and movement directed upward, the whole torso following—going with—the head, the en- tire body, its cells and organs and systems will be enabled to function more efficiently and in a more flexible manner.  When the body is balanced, correct nerve messages are relayed from one part to an- other, from one system to another system. There is better coordination and synchroniza- tion of part to part. When parts are correctly aligned, one to another, only those muscles which are essential to a particular action will be used to perform that action, thus saving precious vital energy. One can accomplish more and perform better and feel less tired than where the parts remain uncoordinated, poorly synchronized due to misalignment through carelessness or habitual slouching. In other words, when the posture is poor, we work against ourselves, we use energy that we need not expend to perform functional duties and movements just because everything in the body is not in its more proper posi- tion of balance. The systemic equilibrium is destroyed, tension pervades the body, even though we may not be consciously aware of such tension. This is exactly the same kind of tension (stress) that is radiated outwards in a leaning tower (as, for example, in the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa located in the Piazza del Duomo in the northeast part of the Italian city), or in a pile of bricks which have been incorrectly stacked.  Incorrect posture, in time, will lead to chronic low back pain, a condition which trou- bles many people today. There are many causes of poor posture: malnutrition, lack of exercise, occupational fatigue; emotional problems concerned with such things as fami- ly, financial security, sprains, disc damage, habits of daily living, etc.  When we consider that the average American spends countless hours every day star- ing at a television tube while sitting slouched down in an overstuffed chair, it is a wonder that we stand as straight and tall as we do and enjoy any degree of health!  96.5.1 Pain  Postural low back pain can be consistent and chronic and if we ignore the warning sign of early acute pain and do not begin a series of corrective measure, the aches and pains may become chronic, entering the vertical stage, until sooner or later, the back gives way.

# Perform exercise no. 7 from the opposite side, resting the body weight on the feet, ex- tending the left arm.   

 

== Correct Postural Maintenance Vital To Wellness  ==

96.5.1 Pain   

 

96.5.2 Sports Injuries   

 

96.5.3 How to Keep a Straight Back and Improve Posture   

 

96.5.4 If There Is a Back Injury, Certain Common Habits Should Be Overcome

 

The posture of the average American and also that of many others we have observed in our travels is in a sad state. Many deviations from the norm can be observed, espe- cially in the natural curves of the spine. Postural defects are less serious than scoliotic ailments which represent degenerative changes brought about by incorrect habits of liv- ing. Postural defects can be more easily corrected than scoliotic abnormalities and in a shorter time.  It is important for the individual to maintain good posture for when the body parts are balanced and integrated, arranged naturally in a flexible manner, with energy and movement directed upward, the whole torso following—going with—the head, the en- tire body, its cells and organs and systems will be enabled to function more efficiently and in a more flexible manner.  When the body is balanced, correct nerve messages are relayed from one part to an- other, from one system to another system. There is better coordination and synchroniza- tion of part to part. When parts are correctly aligned, one to another, only those muscles which are essential to a particular action will be used to perform that action, thus saving precious vital energy. One can accomplish more and perform better and feel less tired than where the parts remain uncoordinated, poorly synchronized due to misalignment through carelessness or habitual slouching. In other words, when the posture is poor, we work against ourselves, we use energy that we need not expend to perform functional duties and movements just because everything in the body is not in its more proper posi- tion of balance. The systemic equilibrium is destroyed, tension pervades the body, even though we may not be consciously aware of such tension. This is exactly the same kind of tension (stress) that is radiated outwards in a leaning tower (as, for example, in the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa located in the Piazza del Duomo in the northeast part of the Italian city), or in a pile of bricks which have been incorrectly stacked.  Incorrect posture, in time, will lead to chronic low back pain, a condition which trou- bles many people today. There are many causes of poor posture: malnutrition, lack of exercise, occupational fatigue; emotional problems concerned with such things as fami- ly, financial security, sprains, disc damage, habits of daily living, etc.  When we consider that the average American spends countless hours every day star- ing at a television tube while sitting slouched down in an overstuffed chair, it is a wonder that we stand as straight and tall as we do and enjoy any degree of health!  96.5.1 Pain  Postural low back pain can be consistent and chronic and if we ignore the warning sign of early acute pain and do not begin a series of corrective measure, the aches and pains may become chronic, entering the vertical stage, until sooner or later, the back gives way.

Pain in the back develops when specific nerve endings are abnormally irritated and begin to send distress signals up the spinal cord to the brain’s control center. Sometimes, the back muscles will receive instructions to go into spasm in an effort to hold the back immobile and quiet.

Pain in the back develops when specific nerve endings are abnormally irritated and begin to send distress signals up the spinal cord to the brain’s control center. Sometimes, the back muscles will receive instructions to go into spasm in an effort to hold the back immobile and quiet.

96.5.4 If There Is a Back Injury, Certain Common Habits Should Be Overcome

96.5.4 If There Is a Back Injury, Certain Common Habits Should Be Overcome

# Ifyoumustliftaratherheavyobject,makecertainthatthedestinationoftheobject,i.e., where you will place that object, is directly ahead of you. This will help you avoid twist- ing the body.

* Ifyoumustliftaratherheavyobject,makecertainthatthedestinationoftheobject,i.e., where you will place that object, is directly ahead of you. This will help you avoid twist- ing the body.

# Don’t try to lift anything above shoulder level.

* Don’t try to lift anything above shoulder level.

# Don’twearhigh-heeledorplatformshoes.Anysuddenthrowingoffbalancemightcause  further injury. Additionally, when such shoes are worn, the center of gravity is thrown off the norm, thus rendering an individual more likely to lose balance. High heels also tend to cause organs to shift from their normal alignment, a state of affairs that sends silent stress signals tearing through the nerve pathways.

* Don’twearhigh-heeledorplatformshoes.Anysuddenthrowingoffbalancemightcause  further injury. Additionally, when such shoes are worn, the center of gravity is thrown off the norm, thus rendering an individual more likely to lose balance. High heels also tend to cause organs to shift from their normal alignment, a state of affairs that sends silent stress signals tearing through the nerve pathways.

# Don’tforgettohavethecarseatadjusttoYOU.Stretchingforthepedalsorforthesteer- ing wheel increases the curve of the lower back to cause strain.

* Don’tforgettohavethecarseatadjusttoYOU.Stretchingforthepedalsorforthesteer- ing wheel increases the curve of the lower back to cause strain.

# Whensittinginachair,don’tslump.Avoidleaningforwardforanyprolongedlengthof time. Arching the back in this manner is conducive to more pain.

* Whensittinginachair,don’tslump.Avoidleaningforwardforanyprolongedlengthof time. Arching the back in this manner is conducive to more pain.

# Ifyourmattressisuncomfortablysoft,oritsags,orifthecushionsinafavoritechairdo not give full support to your injured back, make some changes. Without full support, an aching back will continue to trouble.  96.6. Exercise—General  96.6.1 Exercises Designed to Stimulate Circulation and to Stretch Tight Muscles  96.6.2 Exercises for Balance, Posture, Circulation and Increasing Coordination 96.6.3 Exercise Planning  96.6.4 Teaching the Client How to Get the Most Out of Exercise  96.6.1 Exercises Designed to Stimulate Circulation and to Stretch Tight Muscles  Performed While Sitting—

* Ifyourmattressisuncomfortablysoft,oritsags,orifthecushionsinafavoritechairdo not give full support to your injured back, make some changes. Without full support, an aching back will continue to trouble.   

# Sitwellbalancedonthefloorwithbothlegsstretchedoutinfrontofyou.Pullkneesup to chest. Relax. Touch head to the knees. Relax. Repeat. At first, you may not be able to bring knees all the way up or to touch them with the head. Persistence will soon pay off.

# Sitwellbalancedonthefloorwithbothlegsstretchedoutinfrontofyou.Pullkneesup to chest. Relax. Touch head to the knees. Relax. Repeat. At first, you may not be able to bring knees all the way up or to touch them with the head. Persistence will soon pay off.

# Insameposition,placethearmsunderbentknees.Now,straightenoutrightleg.Return to original position. Straighten out left leg. Return. Repeat, alternating legs.

# Insameposition,placethearmsunderbentknees.Now,straightenoutrightleg.Return to original position. Straighten out left leg. Return. Repeat, alternating legs.

# Wear loose garments made of open weave.

# Wear loose garments made of open weave.

# Exercisetomusic.Waltzesareexcellenttostartwith,increasebeatasstrengthandskill increase.

# Exercisetomusic.Waltzesareexcellenttostartwith,increasebeatasstrengthandskill increase.

# And, finally, exercise faithfully and follow instructions. Remember, that when a client first starts an exercise program, his/her muscles are usually weak and flabby. We recom- mend that everyone start out by exercising one day and then resting the next.  96.7. Questions & Answers My daughter has been told that she has Scoliosis. Our doctor says that not much is known about this condition and that diet won’t help, that the condition is inherited. The only thing he can do, he says, is to refer her to a bone specialist who will prob- ably put her into a brace and she may have to wear this brace for a year or two. What do you think about all this? How old is your daughter?  Fifteen on her next birthday, which will be in two more months.  Not having seen your daughter’s condition, of course, I can make no specific recommendations nor offer any valid opinion as to what the full application of Nat- ural Hygiene principles and practices might permit her body to accomplish, but I can say this: under full Hygienic care, her general condition would improve. It might well be that he would have to wear a brace for a time, but, with proper food, a lot of rest, and getting out in the sunshine and performing suitable exercises, her improvement would be much more rapid and, in all likelihood, she would not have to wear that brace for nearly as long a time as if she did not meet her systemic needs adequately as would be the case, no doubt, if she were placed under allopath- ic care, especially when the physician in charge fails to recognize the importance of a physiologically- and biologically-correct diet. At age fifteen, she should not delay another moment to get started. Having a good posture at this important time of her life, may well determine the quality of the rest of her life.  My daughter has the same condition. Her spine is crooked—forming an S curve. My husband and I are both Hygienists, but our daughter thinks we are way off the path. She won’t eat anything but what the “crowd” eats and that’s ham- burgers, french fries, cokes and even beer when they party. What can we do?  There is little that you do except perhaps to lay it all out for your daughter. In this lesson, you have learned the importance of posture, how this crooked spine can influence adversely every single function within the body. Try to get your daughter

# And, finally, exercise faithfully and follow instructions. Remember, that when a client first starts an exercise program, his/her muscles are usually weak and flabby. We recom- mend that everyone start out by exercising one day and then resting the next.   

 

== Questions & Answers ==

'''My daughter has been told that she has Scoliosis. Our doctor says that not much is known about this condition and that diet won’t help, that the condition is inherited. The only thing he can do, he says, is to refer her to a bone specialist who will prob- ably put her into a brace and she may have to wear this brace for a year or two. What do you think about all this?'''

 

How old is your daughter?  Fifteen on her next birthday, which will be in two more months.  Not having seen your daughter’s condition, of course, I can make no specific recommendations nor offer any valid opinion as to what the full application of Nat- ural Hygiene principles and practices might permit her body to accomplish, but I can say this: under full Hygienic care, her general condition would improve. It might well be that he would have to wear a brace for a time, but, with proper food, a lot of rest, and getting out in the sunshine and performing suitable exercises, her improvement would be much more rapid and, in all likelihood, she would not have to wear that brace for nearly as long a time as if she did not meet her systemic needs adequately as would be the case, no doubt, if she were placed under allopath- ic care, especially when the physician in charge fails to recognize the importance of a physiologically- and biologically-correct diet. At age fifteen, she should not delay another moment to get started. Having a good posture at this important time of her life, may well determine the quality of the rest of her life.  My daughter has the same condition. Her spine is crooked—forming an S curve. My husband and I are both Hygienists, but our daughter thinks we are way off the path. She won’t eat anything but what the “crowd” eats and that’s ham- burgers, french fries, cokes and even beer when they party. What can we do?  There is little that you do except perhaps to lay it all out for your daughter. In this lesson, you have learned the importance of posture, how this crooked spine can influence adversely every single function within the body. Try to get your daughter

to read this section and perhaps her future may become more real to her. In your own home, you can see to it that only good food is in the refrigerator. Learn how to prepare natural “delights” such as banana ice cream and you might hold a fruit par- ty for your daughter’s friends. Also, promise her a reward for good behavior after a certain short period as, for example, a theater party or a camping trip; whatever she would like to have or do most. Use this as an incentive. When you have done all this, you have done your best.

to read this section and perhaps her future may become more real to her. In your own home, you can see to it that only good food is in the refrigerator. Learn how to prepare natural “delights” such as banana ice cream and you might hold a fruit par- ty for your daughter’s friends. Also, promise her a reward for good behavior after a certain short period as, for example, a theater party or a camping trip; whatever she would like to have or do most. Use this as an incentive. When you have done all this, you have done your best.

It seems to me that everybody has different ideas about how to tackle body de- fects; at least, physical and structural imperfections. One chiropractor I know puts bottles of pills on the chest of his patients and then recommends zinc or calcium or whatever to the client if there is some spinal malposition. Why are your methods any better than his?

'''It seems to me that everybody has different ideas about how to tackle body de- fects; at least, physical and structural imperfections. One chiropractor I know puts bottles of pills on the chest of his patients and then recommends zinc or calcium or whatever to the client if there is some spinal malposition. Why are your methods any better than his?'''

I never knew health to jump out of a bottle of pills and magically into the body. Taking hundreds and thousands of pills can never straighten a crooked spine. The only possible means to correct a body defect which has been caused by a failure to meet systemic needs is to begin, and at once, to meet those needs and to move bones and muscles so as to balance the incorrect action of other bones and muscles. The correct diet and lifestyle will take care of the inside, the internal needs of the body, while the exercise and other Hygienic biodynamics will help the body to re- pair the defect to the extent possible, as determined by the age, present condition of the individual person and by how well he applies himself to his program.

I never knew health to jump out of a bottle of pills and magically into the body. Taking hundreds and thousands of pills can never straighten a crooked spine. The only possible means to correct a body defect which has been caused by a failure to meet systemic needs is to begin, and at once, to meet those needs and to move bones and muscles so as to balance the incorrect action of other bones and muscles. The correct diet and lifestyle will take care of the inside, the internal needs of the body, while the exercise and other Hygienic biodynamics will help the body to re- pair the defect to the extent possible, as determined by the age, present condition of the individual person and by how well he applies himself to his program.

We have a simple answer for this question. Without patience, knowledge, deter- mination and willpower, the unfortunate one must just learn to live with his defect! Furthermore, his/her life by the very nature of the life process, will be less enjoy- able, less productive and curtailed in many ways—not a very enticing exchange!

We have a simple answer for this question. Without patience, knowledge, deter- mination and willpower, the unfortunate one must just learn to live with his defect! Furthermore, his/her life by the very nature of the life process, will be less enjoy- able, less productive and curtailed in many ways—not a very enticing exchange!

Article #1: Excerpt from Funk and Wagnalls New Encyclopedia

== Article #1: Excerpt from Funk and Wagnalls New Encyclopedia ==

 

The following excerpt from Funk and Wagnalls New Encyclopedia, Copyright 1979 is used to illustrate the complexity of structural movement so as to give us perhaps a better appreciation of the synergism that is involved even in simple structural manipulation. Excerpted from Volume 19, pages 118-119.

The following excerpt from Funk and Wagnalls New Encyclopedia, Copyright 1979 is used to illustrate the complexity of structural movement so as to give us perhaps a better appreciation of the synergism that is involved even in simple structural manipulation. Excerpted from Volume 19, pages 118-119.

Muscular contractions do not always cause actual movement. Ordinarily, a small “fraction of the total number of fibers in a muscle may be contracting. (One reason why it takes prolonged periods of time to accomplish desired results—The Authors.) This serves both to maintain the posture of a limb and cause the limb to resist passive elonga- tion or stretch. This slight continuous contraction is called muscle tone.

Muscular contractions do not always cause actual movement. Ordinarily, a small “fraction of the total number of fibers in a muscle may be contracting. (One reason why it takes prolonged periods of time to accomplish desired results—The Authors.) This serves both to maintain the posture of a limb and cause the limb to resist passive elonga- tion or stretch. This slight continuous contraction is called muscle tone.

Article #2: Exercise

== Article #2: Exercise ==

 

An excerpt from The Genesis and Control of Disease by George E. Weger, M.D.

An excerpt from The Genesis and Control of Disease by George E. Weger, M.D.

Knee and hip exercises are best obtained by the bicycle movement and also by cross- ing the extended legs past each other to and fro. Next the blanket or pillow should be placed under the shoulders to allow the head to drop back: the head should be raised and lowered and swung and rotated in all directions. Next the muscles of the abdomen should be alternately tensed and relaxed and also kneaded with the fingers or knuckles. The position of the body should then be reversed with patient on hands or elbows and knees. The back should be alternately humped and swayed and the entire body moved as far as possible forward and back. Swaying and twisting of the spine and torso may be done while sitting on the edge of the bed or on a chair or while standing. Many other movements may be suggested in cases where special advice is needed.

Knee and hip exercises are best obtained by the bicycle movement and also by cross- ing the extended legs past each other to and fro. Next the blanket or pillow should be placed under the shoulders to allow the head to drop back: the head should be raised and lowered and swung and rotated in all directions. Next the muscles of the abdomen should be alternately tensed and relaxed and also kneaded with the fingers or knuckles. The position of the body should then be reversed with patient on hands or elbows and knees. The back should be alternately humped and swayed and the entire body moved as far as possible forward and back. Swaying and twisting of the spine and torso may be done while sitting on the edge of the bed or on a chair or while standing. Many other movements may be suggested in cases where special advice is needed.

Article #3: Good Posture by Dr. Herbert M. Shelton

== Article #3: Good Posture by Dr. Herbert M. Shelton ==

 

The upright position is man’s natural one, but, due to many causes, the great majority of civilized men and women are stooped and round shouldered. “Old man’s stoop” is the posture into which everyone is drifting unless his or her occupation or gymnastic activi- ty is such as to counteract the tendency in this direction.

The upright position is man’s natural one, but, due to many causes, the great majority of civilized men and women are stooped and round shouldered. “Old man’s stoop” is the posture into which everyone is drifting unless his or her occupation or gymnastic activi- ty is such as to counteract the tendency in this direction.

From Exercise! by Dr. Herbert M. Shelton

From Exercise! by Dr. Herbert M. Shelton

Article #4: Correcting Sensitivity to Light by Edwin Flatto, N.D., D.O.

== Article #4: Correcting Sensitivity to Light by Edwin Flatto, N.D., D.O. ==

 

Nature has designed our bodies so that muscles not in use will atrophy. Muscles that are constantly used will become stronger.

Nature has designed our bodies so that muscles not in use will atrophy. Muscles that are constantly used will become stronger.

From The Restoration of Health—Nature’s Way by Edwin Flatto, N.D., D.O.

From The Restoration of Health—Nature’s Way by Edwin Flatto, N.D., D.O.

Article #5: Words Of Wisdom by Silvester Graham

== Article #5: Words Of Wisdom by Silvester Graham ==

 

WORDS OF WISDOM from LECTURES on the Science of Human Life by Sylvester Graham

WORDS OF WISDOM from LECTURES on the Science of Human Life by Sylvester Graham

# We have seen that every contraction of the muscles serves to exhaust their vital prop- erties; and to replenish their exhaustion, a constant supply of fresh arterial blood is dif- fused throughout the muscular tissue in great abundance; and the more vigorously any part is exercised, the more rapidly and abundantly that part is supplied with arterial blood; and hence, the habitual, healthy, and vigorous exercise of any part, always serves to produce and maintain a full development of that part, and to give it greater power. Thus, if one arm is constantly and vigorously exercised, and the other remains wholly unemployed, the muscles of the former will soon be much more largely developed and far more powerful than those of the latter. Hence, the welfare of the whole system re- quires that each part should be duly exercised, and most especially in young and growing bodies, which are easily deformed and even dreadfully distorted by a neglect of volun- tary action.

# We have seen that every contraction of the muscles serves to exhaust their vital prop- erties; and to replenish their exhaustion, a constant supply of fresh arterial blood is dif- fused throughout the muscular tissue in great abundance; and the more vigorously any part is exercised, the more rapidly and abundantly that part is supplied with arterial blood; and hence, the habitual, healthy, and vigorous exercise of any part, always serves to produce and maintain a full development of that part, and to give it greater power. Thus, if one arm is constantly and vigorously exercised, and the other remains wholly unemployed, the muscles of the former will soon be much more largely developed and far more powerful than those of the latter. Hence, the welfare of the whole system re- quires that each part should be duly exercised, and most especially in young and growing bodies, which are easily deformed and even dreadfully distorted by a neglect of volun- tary action.

# Sofarasvoluntaryexerciseorlaborisnecessarytothemosthealthyconditionandper- fect functions of the human system, it is a blessing; and beyond that, it is in some mea- sure an evil; for in proportion to the excess, life is always shortened, and the body pre- disposed to disease.  From constitutional necessity, therefore, if man takes too little voluntary exercise, he suffers; and if his voluntary exercise is excessive, he suffers. But happily for the race, the sufferings from excessive labor bear no proportion to those which result from inac- tivity. A man may greatly abbreviate his life by overtoiling, and yet through the whole of his earthly existence enjoy1 comparatively good health, sweet sleep and a cheerful mind; but he who suffers from want of exercise—and especially if with that is connected excessive alimentation and other dietetic errors—experience the bitterest and most in- tolerable of human misery.

# Sofarasvoluntaryexerciseorlaborisnecessarytothemosthealthyconditionandper- fect functions of the human system, it is a blessing; and beyond that, it is in some mea- sure an evil; for in proportion to the excess, life is always shortened, and the body pre- disposed to disease.  From constitutional necessity, therefore, if man takes too little voluntary exercise, he suffers; and if his voluntary exercise is excessive, he suffers. But happily for the race, the sufferings from excessive labor bear no proportion to those which result from inac- tivity. A man may greatly abbreviate his life by overtoiling, and yet through the whole of his earthly existence enjoy1 comparatively good health, sweet sleep and a cheerful mind; but he who suffers from want of exercise—and especially if with that is connected excessive alimentation and other dietetic errors—experience the bitterest and most in- tolerable of human misery.

 

# ...Thestructureofsocietyincivilliferequiresthatmanyshouldbedevotedtopursuits which are less favorable to health than the calling of the husbandman; and a large ma- jority of these pursuits are of a nature which does not admit of sufficient active bodily exercise for health and comfort. To all such, therefore, exercise becomes a necessary part of regimen, and must be regularly attended to, or they must suffer. And yet, where it is mere matter of regimen, attended to because it cannot be neglected without suffering, it loses more than half its virtue. Exercise, in order to be most beneficial, must be enjoyed. The mind must enter into it with interest, and if possible with delight, losing the idea, of labor in that of pleasure.

7. ...Thestructureofsocietyincivilliferequiresthatmanyshouldbedevotedtopursuits which are less favorable to health than the calling of the husbandman; and a large ma- jority of these pursuits are of a nature which does not admit of sufficient active bodily exercise for health and comfort. To all such, therefore, exercise becomes a necessary part of regimen, and must be regularly attended to, or they must suffer. And yet, where it is mere matter of regimen, attended to because it cannot be neglected without suffering, it loses more than half its virtue. Exercise, in order to be most beneficial, must be enjoyed. The mind must enter into it with interest, and if possible with delight, losing the idea, of labor in that of pleasure.