Yoga for Healing
Healing is a journey — inward; that lightens our body, clears the mind and sharpens our spirit.
Whatever it may be that you are going through, this month’s new class supports you, both on and off the mat.
Supta Baddha Konasana — Reclined Cobbler’s Pose
Come to lie on your back, bringing the soles of the feet together and the heels as close to the bum as comfortable. Splay open the knees so that they lay either on or towards the corners of the mat. You’ll feel a deep stretch in the hips, thighs and also in the lower back. If you wish for more support, place a rolled up towel beneath the lower back. Stay for as long as comfortable, breathing deeply.
Benefits of this pose include:
- Improves blood circulations.
- Stimulates the heart.
- Soothes and digestive and reproductive systems.
Malasana — Yogic Squat/Garland Pose
Begin standing, with the feet hip width apart, and then turn the toes outward toward the top corners of the mat. Slowly begin to lower the entire body downward. Your heels may lift during the first couple of tries but this is perfectly alright. You could place a rolled up towel, a block or book beneath the heels if you require additional support. With time and practice, the heels will reach the ground. Bring your palms together in prayer position or into a soft fist, elbows pushing against the knees and knees pushing against the elbows. This engagement will give you a full body experience, engaging even some minor muscles along the body. Keep the neck long, and not hunched forward. Breathe deeply for as long as it feels good and to ease out of the pose, gently rise and bring the feet together, or you could bring your bum down to the ground and come into a seat.
Benefits of this pose include:
- Tones the abdominal muscles, opens the hips and groin.
- Stretches the ankles, hamstrings, back, neck and shoulders.
- Strengthens metabolism and keeps the hip joints and pelvis healthy.
Viparita Karani — Legs Up The Wall
This is a passive and very supported pose, also known as legs up the wall. Sit sideways on the right side of the support — that is the wall. Inhale deeply, and as you exhale in one swift and effective move, swing the legs up to the wall and bring the shoulders and head gently towards the ground. You may not achieve this on the first try but there’s a bit of fun in trying and trying again so don’t let it bother you. Your bum does not need to necessarily touch the wall but ensure your lower back feels supported instead of lifted. If the lower back does feel lifted, bring the bum closer to the wall and press into it.
Benefits of this pose include:
- Relaxes the neck and back muscles.
- Evokes a relaxing response, lowering stress, tension and anxiety.
- Improves circulation and supports the lymphatic system.
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