Standing Backbend- Anuvittasana
A healthy spine is central to long term overall well-being. Unfortunately, many of our day to day activities place our spine in less than optimal positions for extended periods. We are talking about driving, sitting at a desk, and texting; activities most of us do on a daily basis. We can use our yoga practice to help counteract all that hunching and slouching. Taking five from work to practice Anuvittasana is a quick and easy way to undo desk time and help nourish your spine. Microbursts of activity like this one make you more calm and centered throughout the day.
What to do:
Stand evenly on all four corners of your feet.
Inhale and look up, only tilting the head back about half way.
Press the heels down as you exhale and feel the whole back of your body.
Lift the sternum and collar bones up.
Keep the back of your body long.
Stay for several deep breaths.
Exhale as you come out.
Repeat two or three times.
Benefits:
Opens the whole front of the body.
Uplifts the heart and mind.
Increases focus.
Encourages spinal mobility.
Modifications:
Reaching arms overhead makes this pose more vigorous.
Extending arms to the sides and bending the elbows (fingers up) supports greater opening of the chest.
Can be done easily in a chair to make it more restful.
