Body Mapping - Key Points
What is a Body Map?
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Your brain’s internal picture of your body.
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Maps can change (they are “plastic”).
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Accurate map → free, easy, balanced movement.
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Inaccurate map → stiffness, strain, possible injury.
Body Mapping = learning the body’s true design so movement can be natural and efficient.
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Body Mapping - Key Points
Head & Neck
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Head moves at the base of the skull, not the crown.
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Neck has 7 vertebrae, and includes muscles at the front, sides and back.
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Poise of the head is key for whole body co-ordination.
Jaw, Tongue & Face
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Jaw hinges just in front of the ears (not chin or corners of mouth).
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Tongue originates deep in the throat, above the hyoid bone.
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Lips and facial muscles are larger than “lipstick lips” and essential for expression.
Torso & Breathing
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Lungs are in the ribcage, protected by ribs and shoulder blades.
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Diaphragm is dome-shaped, separating chest from abdomen.
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Ribs are mobile “bucket handles,” not a rigid cage.
Spine & Back
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Spine is curved and flexible, not straight or flat.
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Back is supported by the spine, not a solid plate.
Pelvis & Hips
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Pelvis is two joined bones, not a solid bowl.
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Sit bones form a rocker base, not precarious points.
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Hip joints are at the sides (where thigh bones meet pelvis), not at the waist or groin crease.
Legs & Feet
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Knees hinge below the kneecap, not at the kneecap itself.
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Ankles are true joints, not just the “bumps.”
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Feet are arched and springy, not L-shaped.
Arms & Shoulders
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Shoulder blades float on the back, not fixed.
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Two main shoulder joints: collarbone, sternum, and arm - shoulder blade.
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Elbows and wrists are complex joints, allowing rotation and fine movement.
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Hands
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Fingers begin deep in the hand, not at palm creases.
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Muscles are mostly in the forearm, not in the fingers.
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Thumb connects at the wrist, not palm edge.
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Remember:
Accurate body maps = freedom, ease, and natural m6ovement.
Inaccurate maps = tension, strain, and limitation.