Reclined Butterfly Pose

Reclined Butterfly Pose (Supta Baddha Konasana) – Let’s bring it on down to the floor today with this restorative yin yoga pose. Chinese medicine meets yoga here, as yin poses are said to balance meridians in the body. Recline in this pose for at least 5 minutes, relaxing and breathing deeply. I’m using blocks to support my knees, allowing for a gentle stretch that’s not so edgy.

Benefits: This yin yoga pose relieves symptoms of mild depression, stress, menstruation and menopause; stimulates the heart and abdominal organs with improved circulation; stretches the inner thighs, groins and knees; and balances the kidney and urinary bladder meridians where fear and anxiety is held.

How to: Recline on your back and bring the soles of your feet together. Allow the knees to fall out to each side and prop them up with yoga blocks or rolled towels. The lift of the knees helps take the edge off of the stretch in the inner thighs and groin, allowing for a more restorative and healing yoga practice. Tuck your shoulders down and under, allowing the heart to lift, draw the chin toward the chest. The hands can rest away from the body (palms facing up), or rest on your belly/ribs if that feels more soothing. Close your eyes, and then slow and deepen your breath. Rest here for a while, following the breath in and out of the body. Enjoy your time of relaxation and renewal.

Mantra: “I deserve time-outs to heal and restore myself.”