Asana Practice

You incredible Icons - Do you ever get tired of being so magnificent?

When I rolled out my mat to plan this month's physical practice, I thought that I might find myself feeling challenged. How would I decide what Asanas to suggest?

Whenever I feel like my mind is a basket full of unrolled & tangled balls of yarn, I turn to my practice for the answers. Finding stillness in the gentle movement of my breath, in the slowing of my heartbeat, in the sway of my body.
As I lifted out of Savasana, I knew I would share my own Go-To Asanas.

These are the Asanas that I incorporate into every day. Sometimes, part of a larger practice, other times, they are the entire practice. Let's get into them:

SARVANGASANA - 'SARVA' (ALL/ENTIRE) 'ANGA' (ORGAN/BODY PART)
FULLBODYPOSE
Shoulder stand benefits the entire body and is therefore considered the queen of asanas. This posture stimulates the thyroid, parathyroid, and thymus glands. It induces abdominal breathing and relaxes the mind. Spiritually, it impacts the Visshuda Chakra in the throat, the seat of pure consciousness and creativity. Balancing this energy centre, our right understanding and discrimination develop.

Contraindications:
Please do not practise the shoulder stand if you have high blood pressure, detached retina, glaucoma, hernia, cardiovascular disease, cervical spondylitis, and/or slipped disc.

**This video includes 3 variations of sarvangasana - choose the one that's right for you -Today.

MATSYASANA - 'MATSYA' (FISH)
FISHPOSE
Fish expands the chest cavity, increasing lung capacity which might help with various respiratory issues, increases flexibility in all three sections of the spine, massaging the neck, and helping with rounded shoulders. It stimulates the thyroid, and thymus glands. Increases blood flow to the brain, nourishing pituitary & pineal glands, and in addition to impacting Vissuda Chakra Fish also opens Anahata Chakra in the heart. Opening the energetic heart centre allows for emotional healing by releasing any negative energy stored in this area.

Contraindications:
Please do not practice this pose if you have high blood pressure or a migraine. If you have any neck injuries or pain, you can do this pose with a bolster on your mid-back and a blanket to support the back of the head.

SAVASANA - 'SAVA' (CORPSE)
CORPSEPOSE
This is the most important asana in all of Yoga. It may lower or regulate blood pressure, relieve muscle tension, reduce heart rate, and stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, allowing us to rest & digest. This Asana is not about falling asleep - it's about being aware and awake and relaxed. Never Skip Savasana