For 10 long years, well-known Japanese doctor and medical pioneer Toshiki Fukutsudzi fought to develop a method to prevents bad posture. She became famous in her homeland, gaining widespread attention after publishing her book on how to overcome bad posture, combat back problems and strengthen one’s abdominal muscles. Her best-selling book has sold over six million copies throughout Asia.
Dr. Fukutsudzi specializes in treating patients with problems in their pelvic bone and her method is also said to reduce fat around the waist.
I always take these kinds of “treatments” with a grain of salt, careful not to take them too seriously. This method however has gained such popularity that I cannot help but feel tempted to at the least try it out.
Obviously, for serious or extended back issues, I would say, see your doctor. But otherwise, why not give this a shot? After all, it’s extremely easy and only takes 5 minutes.
Here’s how it works:
Roll an ordinary towel to form a thick and stable “sausage”. Wrap it with some tape or string so that it stays put. Lay down on your back on a flat and hard surface – beds and couches are too soft. Place the towel at the height of your navel, where your spine begins to curve.
Once you’re in the correct position, place your feet shoulder-width apart, with your toes pointing inward toward each other. Stretch your arms above your head, palms down, with your pinkies touching. Lay still in this position for 5 minutes. The exercise may feel a bit painful at first, but try to hold for 5 minutes — it does get easier every time you do it.
For best results, repeat the exercise 3 times a day for a few weeks.
The method may strike you as too simple to actually produce results, but as I said, I think you have nothing to lose, so feel free to experiment. I know in any case that I will! Please share the method with your friends if you know someone who suffers from back problems.
