Japanese Towel Roll Method for Posture: What Experts Say
The towel roll method, devised by Japanese physician Dr. Toshiki Fukutsudzi, is emerging as a softer alternative to conventional foam rollers. Dr. Melissa Leber, an instructor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, highlights its potential benefits for enhancing core strength, alleviating back discomfort, and improving overall mobility. Practitioners can perform the technique by lying on a rolled towel placed under the lower back for five minutes daily. However, Dr. Leber cautions against overstated claims related to resetting the nervous system or facilitating weight loss. This method is not advised for individuals with specific spinal conditions.
Key facts
- Method founded by physician Toshiki Fukutsudzi
- Uses a towel rolled into a 3-4 inch thick cylinder
- Towel placed horizontally under lower back at belly button level
- Position held for one to five minutes daily
- May improve core strength, posture, and back pain
- No scientific evidence for nervous system reset or weight loss
- Not recommended for spinal stenosis or facet joint disease
- Melissa Leber, MD, FACEP, from Mount Sinai Hospital, provided expert commentary
Entities
Institutions
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital
- Vogue