How to Create More Symmetry and Balance for Your Body

Have you noticed the stunning symmetry in the world around us? From the intricate designs of a snowflake to the pattern of flowers and arrangement of leaves on a plant, symmetry is everywhere! Even as humans, we display beautiful symmetry in the way our bodies are structured, and we continue to incorporate symmetry into designs, such as buildings and vehicles.

As chiropractors, we understand the importance of symmetry for our bodies. It creates balance, which allows us to move efficiently and keeps our spine and joints working evenly. Although we are all unique and not perfectly symmetrical, striving for balance can only help our bodies function at their best.

Many of us adopt habits that disrupt our body's balance and natural symmetry, contributing to issues like stiffness, tension, and uneven wear on joints. You can liken it to tracking on a car. If the tracking is off and the car deviates to the right consistently, over time, it will put extra stress and wear through the right-hand side, which is usually noticed on the tyres tread. And the same can happen to the body. If we are shifting our weight consistently to one side, it is going to work those joints and surrounding tissues harder.

The good news is that there are easy ways to support the symmetry of the body, and I've listed a few for you to consider below!

1. Avoid sustained twisting or leaning
Unconsciously sitting with your legs crossed, or standing with more pressure on one leg when waiting in a queue for example, can cause stress on your body over time. Being mindful of your posture and maintaining its neutral position where possible, will support the balance.

2. Use both sides
We all have a dominant side, but where possible, try and use both sides of your body. Simple activities like carrying a bag on both shoulders, alternating sides when carrying or lifting, or switching hands when you hold the dog lead will make all the difference.

3. Stay mobile
Your body thrives on movement, especially when engaging in activities that use both sides of your body. Activities such as walking, yoga, swimming, or weightlifting, can help reset your posture and encourage it to work evenly, so try to incorporate some form of intentional exercise each day that uses both sides.

The work we do as chiropractors can help to create better alignment and balance in the body, but adapting habits that reduce the stress will help it flourish even further and support your journey with us.

The habits I have discussed are by no means exhaustive, but I encourage you to see if any of them can apply to your daily life, along with taking a moment to identify any others.

Your body will be grateful for the symmetry and balance you create!

With love,

Sarah