Gokhale® Head Cushion – Posture Trainer for the Head

A small weight on your head, a big difference to your posture. The Gokhale® Head Cushion is a soft cushion weighing about 600 g that you wear on your head. It naturally reminds you to stand tall and lengthen your neck while standing, walking, sitting or doing household chores.

Why a weight on the head?

Carrying loads on the head is one of the oldest ways of transporting things, and many cultures still do it today. A light weight on the head prompts the body to align upward almost automatically, engaging the stabilising muscles of the neck and back. Esther Gokhale calls this her favourite technique for helping people improve their upper-body posture.

Benefits

• Feel your natural alignment: The weight helps you find the natural axis of your spine.
• Train your deep neck muscles: Wearing it engages the deep cervical muscles (longus colli).
• Built-in reminder: It reminds you to carry your head high without lifting your chin.
• Fits into daily life: Cooking, gardening, taking phone calls or walking around the house. You practise without setting aside extra time.
• Moulds to your head: Filled with glass beads, the cushion is pliable, sits securely and is soft enough if it ever falls off.

How to use it

1. Place it: Put the cushion on the highest point of your head, slightly behind the centre.
2. Grow tall: Gently lengthen upward into the weight. Keep your chin slightly down and the back of your neck long.
3. Move: Stand, walk or work with the cushion on your head. If it stays put, your head is well aligned. If it slides off, check your posture.

Tip: Start with a few minutes and build up gradually. The video below answers the most common questions about using it. The best way to learn the technique is in a course with a Gokhale Method teacher. Find courses and teachers

Specifications

FAQ

Where exactly does the cushion go?
On the highest point of your head, slightly behind the centre. It sits most securely there, and the weight acts along the axis of your spine.

How long should I wear it?
Start with a few minutes and build up gradually as it becomes comfortable. Stop when your neck feels tired.

Why does it weigh 600 g?
It is heavy enough to prompt a clear upward response, yet light enough to wear comfortably for longer periods.

How do I clean it?
Hand wash it and hang it to dry. Do not put it in the washing machine.

Is it suitable for me?
If you have problems with your cervical spine or are unsure, please check with your doctor before using it. The Head Cushion is a training aid, not a medical device. For personal guidance, join a Gokhale Method course.

Video: Head Cushion FAQ

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