Crank up the heat and clean the house

The beautiful and amazing Sianna Sherman

demonstrating a backbend.

Autumn is a great time to crank up the home fires and clean house before the snowy cold days are upon us. Backbends and twists incorporated into the practice are most beneficial in the Autumn season. Backbends open the heart chalkra and invigorate the body. As daylight decreases many of us find our energy has diminished somewhat from the Summer and need a little extra lift. Twists are a counterbalance for the spine after practicing backbends. Twists wring out toxins stored in our abdominal organs adding fresh oxygenated blood back in. This squeeze and soak action is nourishing and strengthening, preparing us for the long cold days ahead.

Backbends bring flexibility to the spine and build strength along the muscles of the back. Benefits include stretching the quadriceps (front of thighs), opening the groin area, stretching the chest and opening the shoulders. As a result of stretching the front of the body, the lungs, liver, stomach and intestine are lengthened which improves the efficiency of these organs. Breathing is also easier and posture is improved. It is helpful to prepare for backbends with postures that open the shoulders, quadriceps and hips. After a backbend, counter pose with a gentle twist or if you prefer downward dog.

Twisting poses are excellent when trying to maintain health, cleanse the body or return to a healthier state. Benefits of twisting include stretching the muscles of the back and chest, adding flexibility to the hips, improving digestion and massaging internal organs. Twisting poses rotate the torso vertically the length of the spine. There are two factors to remember when engaging in twists; One is a sense of foundations. While one side of the body is twisting the other side must ground itself as a counterweight. Use props such as blocks when necessary to help maintain a counterweight. Second, when twisting, work on maintaining a long spine. In the beginning this may not be possible. As you continue to practice lengthening the spine, the back will strengthen and there will be an increase in range of motion making the spine more flexible and amiable to stretching out. When engaged in a twist the abdominal organs are compressed and contracted. As the body moves back to center the organs are released adding fresh oxygenated blood in while squeezing out toxins. This is both stimulating and cleansing for the organs.

Next time we'll explore Gomukhasana, an excellent way to open up the shoulders and heart while preparing for backbends.

Be well,

Miss. S