FHP, Everyone Has It and It's Reversible
I've called it "nerd necking" for decades but now it's officially known as Forward Head Posture. FHP is a condition where the head is leaning forward out of alignment with the spine. It can cause various problems such as neck pain, headaches, balance issues, and reduced respiratory function. The flattening of the curve in the neck reduces oxygen, and energetic communication from head to the body, and the fallout from that you may notice as jowls, wrinkles around the mouth, and tired-looking skin with less firmness or "bounce".
Some people say that FHP is the new smoking because it is a common and harmful result of modern-day living and working habits. Habits like using your phone or other screens, scrolling on social media, slouching, and sitting too much, all weaken the spine creating a vicious cycle; the less strength in the spine, the harder it is to prevent FHP.
I created my signature exercise, the Chin Tuck, for this very reason. The videos I've done about the Chin Tuck have gone viral on Tik Tok and IG reaching many millions of viewers which tells me people are trying to solve this problem. And no one is immune.
Your body has intelligence and systems in place that allow for renewal. FHP is reversible. It can be treated with exercises and stretches that target the muscles of the neck and upper back, and energy balancing to repair the flow of energy up to the face, above the neck, and back to the body.
Here are some common causes of forward head posture, check to see if you have any of these:
- Poor posture, such as slouching or hunching
- Using electronic devices for a long time, such as your phone or computer
- Sleeping with your head raised too high on pillows
- Carrying a heavy backpack or purse
- Driving with a hunched back or riding in a bucket seat
- Doing close work, such as sewing or reading in bed
- Whiplash or other injuries to the spine
- Weakness in the muscles of the upper back
- Arthritis and bone degeneration
These can lead to muscle imbalances, increased pressure on the spine, thickening of the waistline, and reduced range of motion in the neck.
Here are the steps to reverse it; you'll find improvement by:
- Paying attention to your alignment checking for equal weight distribution in your feet
- Adjusting your position when you sit, stand, or walk
- Using a supportive chair, pillow, or footrest when sitting for a long time
- Adjusting your computer monitor, seat, and steering wheel when working or driving
- Doing exercises that stretch and strengthen your back, neck, and core muscles
- Practicing yoga, tai chi, or other activities that focus on body awareness
You'll notice reduced pain and stiffness, more ease of movement, better sleep, and many clients I've worked with have even noticed fewer digestive issues. But, one of the really big payoffs in improving your posture is how you feel about the way you look. It creates better energetic resonance which raises your vibration. You become more elegant because as you walk into a room, confidence comes with you. Your body streamlines, you look leaner. Your third energy center (I call it the center of your badassery) has more room so it radiates more of your will and that looks like confidence. The upside is way uppp!
The first step is awareness. What's your neck doing right now?
Chin Tuck, baby!
Love & health,
Loa
