Why Women Can't Sit Cross-legged

2024 Author: Bailey Albertson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 12:53

Why women can't sit cross-legged

Until now, many unspoken rules have survived in society, which once had a rational basis, but now have become completely meaningless. Does the ban on cross-legged sitting on women apply to them? Let's analyze this rule from the point of view of etiquette and medicine.

Why a woman shouldn't sit cross-legged in society

In fact, modern European etiquette allows women to do this. Indeed, many people find it elegant, attractive, graceful. This posture also speaks of a person's relaxation, and therefore is not always welcome in institutions that do not imply relaxation: schools and universities, temples, hospitals. But, again, there is no explicit and rigid prohibition.

Anne Hathaway's heroine is trained in royal manners, but not all the rules of etiquette shown in the film really work in society

Muslim societies are another matter. There are slightly different rules of etiquette here, in which throwing your legs over the other can be interpreted as disrespect for the interlocutor. Therefore, when arriving in a country where most of the population adheres to the rules of Islam, it is better to abandon this position - you should not go into a strange monastery with your charter.

Medical reasons - truth and myth

Among the medical reasons for the ban, you can also find not only the truth, but also speculation. Cross-legged pose does not result in:

• varicose veins. At least it's still not proven. Now scientists believe that varicose veins are caused by a sedentary lifestyle, overweight and pregnancy, and not by this position;
• damage to the hip joint. Around 1999, a medical myth appeared that crossed legs would sooner or later lead to "wear and tear" of the hip joint with all the consequences - pain in the hips, "clubfoot" gait, decreased physical activity. In fact, this is not so - the leg-to-leg pose will not harm this joint;
• deterioration in posture. Posture is more influenced by the quality of the chair or chair, as well as the lifestyle in general, rather than crossing the legs.

Contrary to popular myth, varicose veins are not caused by crossed legs.

And here are the real consequences of crossed legs (and not only for women):

• back pain. Normally, our spine is concave at the waist. When we sit with our legs crossed, this natural concavity curves in the opposite direction. This position of the vertebrae is unnatural for us, therefore, with a long stay in this position, you can feel pain in the belt. In advanced cases, crossed legs contribute (but are not the main reason) to the development of an intervertebral hernia;
• increase in pressure. So far, scientists have found only a temporary increase in blood pressure in those sitting cross-legged. There is no question of a long-term increase or development of hypertension. Therefore, if you suffer from low blood pressure - try to sit cross-legged for a while - you may soon feel better;
• the appearance of blood clots. Of course, the cross-legged position is not the main and only factor that leads to the development of blood clots. But if you already have problems with blood circulation, it is better to give up this position. This position of the legs slows down blood circulation, which can lead to undesirable consequences.

Sitting with your legs crossed is now acceptable for both men and women. But you should always be aware of the possible negative health effects.