It’s easy to take our back for granted, that is, until it begins to ache or jolts us with pain. At that point, where even simple movements can be limited or impossible, we are quickly confronted with how important its health is for everyday living. Since the spine is holding onto virtually every muscle in the torso, our back absolutely can not be neglected or ignored. How can we help assure a healthy back?

Firstly and most importantly, in order to prevent the line of the spine from collapsing, you must maintain proper posture. For instance, if you look at healthy back bones from the side, they form a natural line shaped like the letter “S.”

Nowadays, with an increase in the number of people who either sit hunched over a desk for long periods of time, or with their chin in their hand and elbow on a table, or with one leg crossed over the other - or even all three simultaneously - there is also an increase in people who suffer from spine imbalances.

Though, of course, it is true that almost no one has a perfectly balanced body, there remains a clear difference in back health between people who have given care and attention to their bodies when exercising and those who have not. When you have proper posture, your bone structure and location of your internal organs find their proper place and your body is able to perform normal physiological activity.

Next, let us focus on the first and final principles of health: harmony and balance. For instance, if you have spent two or three hours without moving your body because you were so focused on your work, try standing up for some light walking or, even in a sitting position, try stretching your body with all your might. You will easily feel how much your cells and organs are invigorated when you stretch out your back muscles properly.

When you develop the ability to communicate with your body through your back bones, you can more easily and effectively accept signals from your individual organs. You will not only greatly improve the function of your body - you will also make your curves more beautiful! Below is a revitalizing exercise for your back.

Stretching with your hands clasped behind your back:

1. Clasp your hands behind your back. As you breathe in, bring your arms up as high as you can, then push your chest forward. Exhale as you lower your arms.

2. Breathe in and bend your upper body down as far as you can. Keep your head gently lifted to prevent energy from rising up. Exhale as you slowly raise your upper body.

3. With your hands clasped, lift your arms as high as you can, bend your knees slightly, and then, as you breathe in, twist your upper body to the right. Exhale as you return to the original position. Repeat for the left side.

— Chungsuk Lee