Hi, my name is Esther Gokhale, and I am the author of 8 Steps to a Pain-Free Back and creator of the Gokhale Method, which provides life-long tools for healthy, pain-free posture. The Method was the culmination of my long journey from constant pain and the threat of surgery, to an active life without pain or physical limitation. After undergoing back surgery after my first pregnancy, I hoped my back troubles were at an end. In spite of following the advice I was given, I had a relapse of unbearable sciatic pain that made sitting and lying down for extended periods impossible. Doctors advised both a second surgery and that I refrain from having any more children. Determined to find an alternative path, I set out to understand and address the root causes of back pain.
One of the foundations of my work involved studying cultures around the world in which back pain is virtually non-existent. I also studied the transformation of posture through the last century and before, through art and photos. I was also fortunate to work with experts in posture, movement and physiology. These elements led to the development of the Gokhale Method, which has successfully guided thousands of people away from back pain, neck pain, sciatica, repetitive stress injury and other musculoskeletal ailments that plague our modern world.
I am especially happy to be participating in this year’s Mother’s Day Celebration at Blossom Birth on May 7, because mothers can have a huge influence on the posture of their children. The most important thing in carrying your child is to periodically lengthen the child’s spine and to support a healthy forward-tipped (not tucked) pelvic position. Babies are born with excellent posture and fantastic instincts. In fact, we can learn a lot from simply watching the way they sit, sleep and move. Unfortunately, the beds, stroller, bouncy chairs and backpacks we carry them in often distort their natural good posture. Umbrella strollers are an excellent example of this. Their rounded shape forces the baby’s spine into a C-shape, encouraging the head to drop onto the chest, reducing circulation throughout the body and compressing the lungs.
Another helpful technique for mothers is to engage the inner corset--the abdominal and back muscles closest to the spine. The inner corset is a natural way for pregnant women to tone their abs and will be invaluable for carrying your baby.
I will also answer your questions about healthy posture-- including how to hold your baby, selecting baby furniture, and other ways to stay vital during your pregnancy.
See you soon!
Esther
Over the coming weeks we are featuring articles about the inspiring, rejuvenating and relaxing offerings at our Mother's Day Pampering Celebration on Saturday, May 7, 9am onwards. Come join us- sign up for a massage with Verde Touch, enjoy a great self portrait by professional photographer Rosalinda, participate in our workshops and celebrate a fun evening of music with Rockin'Moms! It is a double win: all funds from the event support Blossom's work with new and expectant families and you get to have a fun day celebrating being a mom or mom-to-be! RSVP today!
I find it interesting that you were able to establish the relationship of back pain and cultures. The consistency of bad behaviors also shows that these behaviors are not inherent, but are products of discipline, which can be controlled by people.
ReplyDelete- Darius Lighthall