Why japanese sit on the floor

Many problems that we suffer from today, such as chronic back pain, are on account of bad posture. While sitting for long hours in front of our computer or laptop, we tend to slouch or hunch over our screens, causing strain on our backs and necks. Seiza helps to counteract the effects of poor sitting posture by improving our spine alignment. It stretches out our back, trains our core muscles, and relaxes the spine and back. Sitting in seiza also makes it impossible to slouch, making this position a boon for our bodies that take the brunt of our long work hours.

If you, like many others, suffer from poor posture and back pain, try sitting in seiza and see the wonders it does for your back. Seiza also provides a good workout for our knees and ankles and keeps them healthy and flexible. According to Dr. Yoshiaki Mori , a professor of rehabilitative medicine at Showa University, the youth in Japan are becoming increasingly prone to an arthritic condition that affects the knees.

Seiza is great for better blood circulation in the body and improved digestion. It also makes you feel a greater sense of calm and alertness, which is a major reason that the Japanese meditate in this position. Seiza may not be a comfortable sitting position for everyone.

Because this position helps you to sit taller with every bite you take, it prevents you from slouching and makes your back and shoulders stronger.

If you can easily rise from a cross-legged position without any support, chances are you might live longer. Turns out, sitting on the floor while eating and getting up several times a day is one of the simplest ways to add extra years to your life.

Sitting on the floor, however, allows you to stretch your hips and ankles, making your joints more flexible. Most photographs are used under Creative Commons licences — click on the images for details.

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