Is sitting cross-legged good for the body?
Sep 20, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Chen Jian
Introduction
In general, sitting cross-legged is not good for the body. Sitting cross-legged may place the leg muscles and soft tissues in a state of excessive stretching, which can easily lead to muscle and soft tissue injuries. It may also impair blood circulation in the legs, potentially causing symptoms such as swelling and pain, and even result in leg edema, posing risks to overall health.
In general, sitting cross-legged is not good for the body. The specific analysis is as follows:
Sitting cross-legged may place leg muscles and soft tissues under excessive tension, which can easily lead to muscle and soft tissue injuries, impair blood circulation in the legs, and consequently cause symptoms such as swelling and pain—even potentially leading to leg edema—posing risks to overall health. It is recommended to use methods such as heat application or massage to relieve symptoms like pain and swelling.
In addition, prolonged cross-legged sitting increases wear on the knee joint cartilage surface and strain on ligaments, possibly resulting in chronic injuries and pain, and even triggering knee osteoarthritis. Long-term cross-legged sitting may also lead to hip bone deformation, enlarged buttocks, and changes in leg shape, increasing the likelihood of developing bowlegs (O-shaped legs) or knock-knees (X-shaped legs).
It is advisable to avoid maintaining a cross-legged position for extended periods, develop proper sitting posture habits, get up and move regularly, and engage in moderate physical exercise.
