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Conscious Healthy Living
July 30, 2010
Yoga Lizard:
Inflate your zafu,
deflate your ego
deflate your ego
Inflatable zafus are the ultimate portable meditation cushion. Compact and light.
| The Bow Pose |
| Written by Yoga Lizard |
|
The Bow Pose is called Dhanurasana in Sanskrit, meaning bow-shaped, or curved. This asana was so named due to the torso and legs resembling the body of the bow, the arms the string. This pose is helpful in strengthening the back and establishing flexibility of the spine. Repeated practice will help to release tension and strain in the upper back and neck area. Also, expanding of the abdominal muscles increases blood flow to this area and aids in improving digestion. Instructions:Lie face down with arms at your sides, palms facing upwards. (You may want to place a folded blanket under your hip area for comfort if you have boney hips.) Exhale and bend your knees, bringing your heels as close as you can toward your body. Reach back and grip your ankles if they are available. Keep your knees hip width apart. Inhale and slowly lift your thighs and knees away from the floor by pulling back with your ankles while at the same time lifting your chest from the floor. Open up the chest area by pressing your shoulder blades firmly back. Don't crunch in the lower back. Imagine the tailbone continuing to tuck under. Bring your gaze forward and slightly up. Hold this position for 5 to 10 full breaths or as long as you comfortably can. Exhale and bring your knees back to the floor, releasing your grip from your ankles. Return to the prone position. Repeat twice more.
Anatomical FocusBackbend BenefitsBuilds heat and opens the front of the body. PrecautionsDo not attempt this posture if you are suffering from spinal or back injuries, are pregnant or have high blood pressure or any intestinal problems. Doshic BenefitsBuilding heat is good for Kapha if you can comfortably reach your feet behind you. Be careful of the lower back and use a strap if necessary. Beginner TipsBring a strap around the feet if you can't reach your ankles. VariationsTry bringing the knees closer together. * Please check with your physician before beginning any exercise program
Would you like to further discuss the Full Lotus Posture? Please visit our forums by clicking here |
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Yoga... without the mat
Do yoga anywhere without a mat.
Yoga Paws are portable and made from a non-slip material similar to that of a yoga mat. Special offer: 2 for $45.95
Yoga Paws are portable and made from a non-slip material similar to that of a yoga mat. Special offer: 2 for $45.95
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