Internal pressure, created by the air in this balloon creates shape, form, and the ability to respond with pressure to the pressures that the external world exerts on an object or on the body.
As is discussed in the valve system section, the pumping of the valves moves air, blood, and fluids throughout the body, creating internal pressure. Internal pressure allows us to have shape. Think of a balloon full of air – having internal pressure – compared to a deflated balloon – lacking internal pressure. Internal pressure allows us to have form and to respond to forces of the external world acting on us. Poor posture is often in part a result of lack of internal pressure that occurs in stress. Increasing internal pressure provides the necessary internal support for good posture.
Stanley Keleman’s book Emotional Anatomy is an excellent resource for learning more about internal pressure and how it affects the body.
Internal pressure, form and shape are also important for injury prevention. This is discussed in greater detail on the injury prevention and rehabilitation page.