So this month we are talking stretch stop yoga poses. A yoga asana that is comprehensive enough to give you an all round body rest in one quick movement! I have chosen to share anuvittasana also known as standing backbend.
I love this road trip yoga pose so much, I thought I would share the yoga love and rest stop snapshots of my intermittent anuvittasanas during my own road trip to Hua Hin last week.
We are so fortunate to live in such a beautiful part of the world and road trips are breathtaking! Why not let your body enjoy the drive too.
This asana is :
- A great heart opener
- Lengthens and extends the spine
- Improves alignment of the spine; improving posture and increasing mobility of the spine
- Reverses the “hunched” over position that we spend a lot of time in during the day (computers/driving/working)
- Stretches the entire front body, specifically feet, ankles, thighs, groins, and hip flexors
- Opens the chest, neck and lungs
- Strengthens the abdominal muscles, back muscles, wrists, arms, shoulders, neck, thighs, and buttocks
- Strengthens the respiratory, cardiovascular and endocrine systems
- Stabilises the feet
- Stimulates digestion and aids in circulation
- Can be therapeutic for mild cases of sciatica, asthma, and osteoporosis
- Therapeutic for flat fleet
- Can relieve constipation, menstrual discomfort and menopause symptoms
- Increases stamina, energises, and rejuvenates
- Improves concentration, focus, willpower, and mental clarity
- Relieves, stress, anxiety, and depression.
- Follow these steps to feel an overall body shine!
- Stand tall and upright, feet hip width apart and your chin tucked into your chest
- Place your hands on your hip bones and push your hands firmly downward on your hips
- Take a deep inhale, lift your chest and expand upward. Pull your diaphragme inward towards your spine – keep it lifted
- Push your hips forward with the help of your hands. Creating an arc effect from hips to chest
- Exhale and roll your shoulders down your back
- Tongue on the roof of the mouth as you release your head back to look upward
- Hold for five breaths and then inhale as you bring your head back to centre. I have two photos – photo one is the beginner asana and photo two is anuvittasana.
- I have to point out here that this asana is not a backbend but rather a push forward and stretch of the hip flexor. Please maintain a long extended spine.
This is a great asana for the road trip rest stops but it doesn’t end there. It is also great for the lifelong pursuit of countering the shoulder hunch we humans create each day. Enjoy!
Happy stretching
Metta, kim
xoxo
Kim White is the owner of Sala Samadhi. She offers authentic Hatha yoga instruction for private and group sessions. Contact: www.mindbodyyogasystem.com or 086 276 9174.
The opinions and advice contained in this column are those of the author only. The Phuket News is not responsible for the outcome or results of following any advice in any situation.