This is the first of several posts that demonstrate a back support device I designed for sitting meditation. Today I will focus on how it works with a meditation bench.
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Meditation Bench Back Support
Normal Position
Front View |
The objective was to design a single back support device that would work with a meditation bench or a meditation cushion (zafu.) I alternate between a bench and a cushion to shift the stresses around my body to support a lifetime of meditation practice.
The principle design needed to accommodate a "Normal" support position and an "Aggressive" support position to help with back injuries I've sustained (see earlier posts
1st injury and
2nd injury.)
The Normal support position provides a cushion for arm support at the wrist. The length of most people's upper arm is shorter than their torso. During extended sitting "dangling" arms put stress on the back, especially if you have a weak or injured back.
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Meditation Bench Back Support
Normal Position
Side View |
The thing that is unique about this back support is that the cushion has long straps that wrap around your back and fasten in front. The straps perform 2 purposes. They hold the pillow in a fixed location. (I found that without the straps pillows gradually shift forward over a sit and stress my back.) The straps also put a very light pressure against the lower back. This pressure helps support the back (which feels great) and is also an early indicator if you start to lose your posture. (I find that sometimes I start to lean back and the straps make it obvious.)
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Meditation Bench Back Support
Aggressive Position
Side View |
If I am doing lengthy sitting sometimes I need a short period (15-30 minutes) of even more support. The straps are designed to also create arm loops that allow the cushion to rest firmly against your back. I put a gazillion button holes in the straps to make it very adjustable. (Velcro would have been great except that unstrapping velcro in the zendo after zazen is not very sangha-friendly.) You can adjust how much pressure you want by how close you make the arm loops. I have found that short periods in the Aggressive position allow me to go back the Normal position and be comfortable for quite an extended time.
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Meditation Bench Back Support
Aggressive Position
Back View |
It took a lot of experimenting to get this to work correctly but in the end it has exceeded my expectations. I find that I can sit for extended hours comfortably. If you suffer from back pain during zazen (sitting meditation) I'd really appreciate any feedback about whether this looks like it might help you?
Namaste & Friendly Bows _/|\_
Very interesting! I have recently taken to sitting on a "Cloud" bench because my hips and knees no longer allow me to sit on the floor. But it is hard to get the same back support on this bench, so it's easy to end up slouching and feeling lower back pain. Are you selling these contraptions?
ReplyDeleteI am working on a way to get these produced. I'd love to help others and have the proceeds go to our sangha. If you would like to be a beta tester of the next design (probably available in about 8 weeks) please drop me an email with contact info at wabisabipenguin.com I sit with it everyday and it has made a huge difference for me. Namaste and Friendly Bows _/|\_
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