Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Yoga Inversions in February

Hello Friends,

In January, we discussed numerous benefits of twists in yoga practice. Yoga twists stimulate circulation, improve digestion, and maintain flexibility in the intervertrebal discs and ligaments of the spine. Each part of the spine differs in rotational ability. The cervical vertebrae (7) have the most mobility in twisting, followed by the thoracic (12), and the lumbar vertebrae (5) with the least rotation. When twisting in yoga, allow each vertebrae to participate at it's own rotational range without strain or force.

This February, we will practice inversions. Invert is a verb meaning 'to turn upside down.' In yoga practice, inversions can range from downward dog to headstand. Viewing our physical reality from different angles helps us facilitate a fresh new perspective in practice and life.

February Focus : Inversions




We will practice and discuss the benefits of inversions this month:

Halasana (Plough Pose)
Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand)
Viparita Karani (Legs up the Wall)
Sirsasana (Headstand)
Adho Mukha Svanasana ( Downward Dog)