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White Ribbon, Volume 14, Issue 152, 15 January 1908, Page 10

THE HOME.

POISE—A STUDY IN BODY

CULTURE

Mrs. Frances Wait Leiter, Mansfield

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< National Superintendent ot the Department of Physical Edueat ion.)

Tlie human Immlv, as veh «le and servant of the soul, is marvellously adapted to its mission Bones tor framework, supporting and protecting museles for locotnoth n ami activities; vital organs for digestion, respiration, and circulation; a nervous system guiding and controlling. Tpoti the proper adjustment of all these parts of the body hinges the possibility of health which makes mere existence a luxury, and largely determines success in life. Special iatN. in the main, agree that incorrect relative adjustment of the

various organs ;s largely responsible lor the misery of existence.

In these times ot health-seeking, some terms are taking on new meaning. even when they have been fairly understood physiologically. Pose and poise are examples. I These are opposite terms as they concern the body. Pose is negative, indicating rest, or inactivity. Poise is positive, indicating balance, or ‘‘ready-for-service” attitude which is possible power. These two terms express two essentials in human existence —

viz., rest and action. The night for sleep, recuperating the body, follows waking hours. One rest day in seven is a necessity, from tin* physical standpoint, to break tin* strain of continuous working days. After fatiguing hours on the feet, sitting rests the lower extremities, and is also opportunity for rest to the hands and arms, if improved. We rest the entire body by lying down. In this position only the force of gravity acts upon the body, and under the most favourable conditions permitting as complete rest as can he experienced, if one knows how to relax fully. Kveii while sitting, either for convenience. or to relieve the extremities, the trunk should maintain an upright position, with organs properly related. Too many, however, in these days of nerve demand, whether standing or sitting, attempt to assume the double attitude of pose and poise, the tendency of which is to throw all parts of the body out <>f harmony, and into conditions of strain. As result of this, the chest is contracted, limiting breathing capacity, and hindering heart action; the stomach and liver arc unduly crowded; and. indeed, all the abdominal organs are lowered, which eventually means disaster to health

While addressing a parlour gathering in the great Sanitarium at Battle Creek, Dr. .1. 11. Kellogg advised his patrons and guests never to attempt .o foolish a thing as trving t,» “sit up and lie down at the tame time.” assuring them it could never bo successfully accomplished. It is this struggle between pose and poise, with the “hold-hack usually prevailing, which accounts for protruding chin and abdomen ;

round shoulders that modify, and sometimes completely change, essential curves of tin* spine; also, the gyrating movement of hip joints, “out of line.” which develops the ungainly gait so common in walking. With the body in proper poise like a bird ready for flight working demands of this wonderful mechanism arc reduced to a minimum. The centre >f gravity, instead of acting as hindrance, becomes. to some extent, propelling power. If. even when standing, in order to start to walk, or turn around, a woman must every time first pull herself from pose to poise, that motion may result, she becomes personally responsible for extravagant ami useless expenditure of nerve foree, which ought to be conserved. Is it any wonder that so many people have so little ambition, and that life is pronounced dull existence ?

What, then, is advised? First. Realise that correct poise, or body balance, is a fundamental essential to good health.

Second. Learn that it is lack of proper poise, preventing deep, full breathing, which permits tuberculosis and pneumonia—the two dreaded diseases to be so prevalent, and so fatal, in modern times, with liability to any of the modern diseases.

Third. Understand that it is this “out-of-gear” vital condition, crowding heart and lungs, the liver, stomach, and other digestive organs; also, the sensitive organs of reproduction. which materially helps to make women so frequently the victims of tumours and malignant growths, practically unfitting them for the simplest duties of life, besides ensuring miserable existence. If there is no higher impulse, the selfish motive to save herself suffering. should influence any woman to command her body as the Creator evidently designed. What is Correct Poise ? When the body is in correct standing position, with all the organs properly related, a perpendicular stick placed at the outside of hall of foot, will pass in front of the hip joint, in front of the shoulder, and at a point in front of the ear. The edge of a door may be used for the same

purpose. This position brings the weight of tin* body oil the balls of the feet. It is the “ready-for-action” attitude, making it the simplest possible matter to walk forward, or to turn. Placing the weight on the balls of the feet, does not mean bending forward at tin* hip joints. The trunk should be upright. and the slight bend must be at the ankle joints. In ease of “sway-back” tendency, the trunk must, of course, be brought in line by bending forward sufficiently at the hips to secure normal position. Exercise for Poise. Stand with heels as nearly together as the conformation of tin* body will permit; toes turned out at angle of about sixty degrees; knees tirin; head erect, and chin slightly drawn in: shoulders level, with arms hanging naturally at sides; hips level, and well back; chest up and out.. Now, while in this position, with elbows straight and wrists fully relaxed, by action of the shoulder joints, raise the arms directly iiv front until they are perpendicular, with hands above head, and reaching to the utmost from the shoulders At this point, with free movements of wrists (hands overhead I turn palms inward till finger-tips face, and almost touch; then slowly lower the arms from perpendicular, sidewise and down, remembering to turn palms downward by rotation of the wrists when the extended arms are shoulder high This should be a

slow, continuous, forceful, movement from beginning to end. When the hands rest at sides (palms towards body I, if the trunk position has been maintained firmly, with chest high, correct poise of body has been emphasised clinched. Ih* careful not to settle back upon heels, or lower chest, as the arms reach the sides. Test. In this position you can rise on toes without any forward movement of the body, which indicates that the weight of the body is over the balls of the feet. This is correct poise, in standing position. Kepeat this exercise often each day, breathing naturally , and at same time practise walking on tiptoes. changing frequently from tiptoes to balls of feet and back again. These repeated changes (from balls of feet to toes' should be accomplished without any backward and forward movement of trunk -only rising and sinking. In time, correct poise will become habitual, and the sensation of falling forward, which is experienced at first, will entirely disappear. Occasionally a person is found who can nse on toes without forward movement, even when the body is out of poise, but it is an exception. In this exercise, give variety as follows : 1. Rest the hands on hips by forefinger and thumb onl\ thumb backward. finger forward with elbows as far to tin* rear as possible.

2. Clasp hands behind back, with vigorous pull downward on every third step. These exercises will produce what is called the flat (or military' back, which is tin* outcome of gymnasium work for tin* cadet, securing in general results the fine bearing which is so much admired in the militarv man.

As a rule stand with weight on both feet; but. when position is prolonged. with one foot a little in rear of other. To rest when standing, advance one foot forward i never sidewise), with knee relaxed. While sitting at desk, table, machine, or sewing, be careful not to accommodate yourself to your work by bringing the shoulders forward. Keep shoulders in poise position, bending at hips as there is need. If the back of chair is used, hotli hips and shouldeis should rest against the chair.

Practise these exorcises faithfully. To be out of poise temporerily will, in time, be felt a strain, which will show that normal conditions have become habit of the bodv.

To indulge mi body positions meaning neither pose nor poise will result in an impress upon character which cannot be mistaken. Not utterances and face only, but tin* body also, in its attitudes and movements, reveals prevailing traits of the individual. These many silent but tell-tale tongues .speak truthfully, and with power. “In ion Signal.”