Cobra Pose

Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana) – This is one of my favorite heart-opening poses. Traditional yoga texts teach that this pose activates our energy, increases heat in the body and destroys disease. Hold this pose with that intention, and notice how you feel more energized afterwards.

Benefits: Cobra pose relieves fatigue in the body; strengthens the spine, arms and shoulders; stretches the chest, lungs and abdomen; stimulates internal organs; opens the heart and lungs; and soothes sciatica. In yin yoga, this pose balances the kidney meridian where fear and anxiety are held.

How to: Come to the floor and rest on your belly with your hands on the mat right under your shoulders. Press the tops of your feet into the floor, and then firm your legs and buttocks. Press into your hands to lift the upper body off the floor. Draw the shoulder blades together on your back, and elbows in toward your ribs. Lift your heart forward and ease the tops of the shoulders away from your ears. Keep the back of the neck long by drawing the chin down just a little, and direct the breath deep into your belly. Be sure to keep a slight bend in your elbows and keep drawing them in to the body. Hold this pose for 2-6 breath cycles. Rest in child’s pose when you are done.

Mantra: “Love is the answer.”