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Folding into our selves quiets the mind and encourages a meditative mindset. Forward bends foster the ability to listen to our intuitive self, to our heart. | | A rejuvenating yoga pose, Childs Pose offers the body's systems relaxation during yoga practice. It is also the base to the yoga posture, Hare Pose and Hero Pose. If ever you feel tension or discomfort during yoga class, feel free to rest in this yoga pose until you are feeling strong. |
| | | One of the most popular yoga poses practiced in the West, this asana rejuvenates, releasing tension from the hips, abdomen, and back of the legs. However, this yoga position requires complete consciousness during yoga practice and the mind must be engaged on the proper position of the entire body. |
| | | This yoga pose calms and settles the mind through the inversion, while your core strengthens practicing the leg extension. This is an extended form of the Standing Forward Bend Position used commonly during yoga class, built to strengthen the core and acts as therapy for the back and hips. |
| | | This yoga pose stimulates the crown chakra and improves concentration and memory. The head and home of the Sahasrara Chakra along with the forearms create the base of this balance. Practice of this yoga posture will also tone the abdominal - core - muscles for a sleek and slender mid-section. |
| | | This yoga pose is a complete extension of the spine, allowing the therapeutic fluids to bathe each vertebrae. Knee to Ear Yoga Pose is an advancement of the Plough Pose, the length from the knees to the toes is parallel to the ground. The skull becomes the root of the posture and allows for a gentle stretch of the neck. |
| | | This yoga pose uses the base of Lotus Yoga Pose, alleviates tension in different parts of the spine and it's assisting muscles, and opens the hips and hamstrings. It is also known as the Runner's Stretch. This is a great yoga exercise for athletes when warming up and cooling down. |
| | | Though this yoga pose does not have any direct refference in any classical sense, it carries similarities to other yoga positions practiced in traditional yoga classes. Plough Yoga Pose brings relaxation to the muscles of the back and thighs, gently stretching the ligaments and sinews of the spine and back. |
| | | This yoga pose is exercised often in practice of the Warrior Poses, creating balance and strength. Siva mourned for Sati, and he pulled at his hair and destroyed, then meditated. The beginning of the pose resembles the Siva with his matted hair in remembrance of that power. |
| | | This yoga pose is invigorating! Raising kundalini energy up the spine, this pose stretches the back meridian of the body. The exercise from Staff Yoga Pose into the Seated Forward Bend Yoga Pose raises Kundalini, cleansing the chakra system. |
| | | This yoga pose grounds your legs in the earth, relaxing your spinal column with the forward bend. It also gives a strong stretch to the lower back, hips, and legs. Raising kundalini energy up the spine, this pose stretches the back meridian of the body. |
| | | This yoga pose is the quentessential position for release and personal awareness. It is a yoga exercise for rebuilding strengthe and direction. A natural stress-relief for the mind, this is a deep and purposeful forward bend. |
| | | This yoga posture is a great restorative pose for you after your body is warmed and can be calming, used for anxiety and sleeping disorders. It also gives a strong stretch to the lower back, hips, and legs. Raising kundalini energy up the spine, Standing Wide Angle Forward Bend Yoga Pose stretches the back meridian of the body. |
| | | This yoga pose stretches the long muscles of the legs and arms completely, resembling a tortoise withdrawn into its shell. Consistent yoga practice of this position opens the hips in preparation for a more intense yoga exercise such as Lotus Yoga Pose. |
| | | Triangle Yoga Pose gently stretches the chest, hips and legs. Increasing blood flow to the head, this yoga position offers stress-relief to the mind and strengthens the shoulders. The open twist promotes a supple spine and relieves any low back discomfort. |
| TIPS
? As we fold ourselves forward, yield to gravity as it will lead the body into a deeper stretch. Let the earth support you.
? Forward bends are nurturing, reminding our bodies of the fetal position in the womb.
? Feel the extreme sides of your body as your torso meets your lower limbs and find a balance at their union.
? It is always best to have a smaller bend while maintaining correct alignment of the spine, than to force a deeper stretch.
? For tight hamstrings, bend your knees slightly to release some of the pull from the hips. Concentrate on keeping your hips, knees, ankles, and toes aligned.
BENEFITS
? The force of deep breathing and pressure of forward bends massages the internal organs and may alleviate digestive complaints and relieve gas.
? They also help balance the nervous system as the pelvis is home of the parasympathetic system to rest and restore all-around health.
? Forward bending maintains and restores the integrity of the spine.
HEALTH ADVISORIES
? During menstruation or fatigue, add a bolster, or practice from a chair for a softer extension.
? Practice forward bends in moderation if you suffer from depression, and focus more on backward bends.
? Remember to alleviate the head over the heart if you live with hypertension.
? When one has spinal disc problems, keep that area concave and never force a bend. Always speak with your medical doctor first.
? With an inhalation, lengthen from the tailbone through the spine and relax into the pose on the exhalation.
AFTER PRACTICING FORWARD BENDS
These are optional counter poses you may use after an intense forward bending series:
? Bridge Pose
? Corpse Pose (with fingers and toes extending in opposition)
? Kneeling Thigh Stretch
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Yoga Seated Positions
