Head Carrying, not actually carrying heads like Kali, but carrying stuff on the head is a common practice in many parts of the world and provides a unique movement nutrient.
“Loads Are Like Snowflakes- Every load experienced by the body, whether the distortion is created by our activity (or lack thereof), the position of that activity, the impact of that activity, or the receptiveness of that activity (or lack thereof), is its own “nutrient”. – Katy Bowman, biomechanist, excerpt from Move Your DNA: Restore Your Health Through Natural Movement
I’d never imagined that I would include head carrying as a way to transport my stuff. I usually walk with a backpack to get my groceries and run errands. My backpack only fits one sheet set and I need to carry at least three sets daily to and from work, plus towels, my food, and water bottle, so I’ve decided to carry my bag of sheets home in a plastic garbage bag. I cycled between carrying the bag:
- with my left hand and then my right hand (engaging my muscles rather than letting the bag hang from my joints)
- with a big bear hug hold, the bag against my chest wrapping my arms across the front (surprisingly, opening my scapulas in this way felt really good)
- on a shoulder
- with a headlock hold (I’m actually pretty good at headlocks-ask my husband)
- on my head (my favorite way!)
I was surprised that I could carry the bag on my head without using my hands! I walked a whole block head carrying without using my hands to stabilize! In total, I probably walked with the bag on my head on and off for 1/4 mile. My neck and shoulders didn’t hurt at all, it actually felt good to carry this way and as the bag moved around, I got a myofascial release on my scalp and it helped me keep the back of my neck long. I was super excited and felt like a badass when my bag weighed in at 7 LBS! Then after a google search, I was humbled and in awe by the women who can carry 70% of their body weight on their head! However, I don’t recommend trying to carry a heavy load on your head right out of the gate, or perhaps ever. These women have been carrying stuff on their heads from a young age, so their muscles, bones, and gait pattern have adapted.
Creative commons photo of a Mysore woman head carrying fruit. Photography by the NGO medapt.
This is impressive head carrying. I had the advantage of the sheets molding to my head.
Imagine my husband’s surprise when I walked up to the house like this.
Hi, Honey!
The downside is that no one looked me in the eye, or smiled at me like they usually do. No one snubs the man who dresses like a chipmunk…whatever. Portlanders are usually very accepting and friendly; I’m sure they’re just not used to seeing a woman walk around with what looks like a bag of garbage on her head…not yet anyway.
LOVE IT!!! I think of doing this from time to time and have on occasion.
Yesterday while driving I saw a man carrying his folded rolling fabric shopping under one arm. I thought how Katy would approve of the carrying. But at the same time I thought how it would be so much more pleasant to balance it on the head, even if it required one hand to steady it.
Keep spreading the word and your lovely picture will certainly draw some copycats 🙂