While some people practice yoga to relieve specific ailments, others use it to create harmony and flow between the body and mind. The holistic therapy is a great way to connect the two and encourage your emotional and physical body to function as one. If you’re feeling fatigued or sluggish, certain yoga poses can work wonders. Better still, all you need to get started is a quiet space and some yoga pants. In this article, we explore the best yoga poses for creating harmony and flow.
Tree Pose
Stretching the muscles and ligaments in the lower body, Tree Pose works to release built-up tension. To practice the asana, begin standing tall with your feet together. Bring your toes together and leave around 1-inch of space between your heels. Next, bring your hands together in front of your chest and engage your stomach muscles. When you’re ready, shift your weight onto your right foot, pressing firmly through the ball of your heel as you do so. Slowly lift your left foot off the mat, bending your knee in the process. Finally, find your balance and place your left foot on the inside of your right thigh. You are in Tree Pose. Hold the asana for around 30 seconds before switching sides.
Waterfall Pose
A softer variation of Shoulder Stand, Waterfall Pose is great for uniting the body and mind. As the posture is restorative, it helps to relax the mind whilst strengthening the physical body. Unlike Shoulder Stand, Waterfall Pose doesn’t invert your uterus; this means that it’s safe to practice during your menstrual cycle. Before beginning, make sure to have a yoga block to hand.
From Tree Pose, lower yourself down and take a seat on the mat. Next, lie back and bend your knees, keeping the soles of your feet flat on the floor. Pressing your feet firmly into the ground, lift your hips up and place a block underneath your back. One at a time, bring your knees into your chest before lengthening them straight up. If you’re struggling to balance, try practicing against a wall. If you do so, both legs should be resting against it. You are in Waterfall Pose. Hold the posture for 30 seconds whilst concentrating on your breathing.
Supported Half Frog Pose
Supported Half Frog Pose opens the hips, inner thighs, and pelvic floor. Additionally, it boosts your circulation to supply the body with fresh, oxygen-rich blood. For best results, practice this asana with a pillow or blanket for support. To begin, lie on your stomach with the pillow touching the right side of your body. Next, stack your hands on top of one another and rest your head on the back of them. Bending your right knee at around 90 degrees, bring your right leg out in line with your hip. The inside of your right thigh should now be resting on the pillow. You are in Supported Half Frog Pose. To deepen the stretch, draw your knee up towards your armpit. Hold the posture for 30 seconds before repeating on the other side.
Half Tiger Pose
Just like the previous asana, Half Tiger Pose boosts circulation. Additionally, it stretches the ankles, calves, and feet to remove built-up tension. From Supported Half Frog Pose, maneuver into a plank position. At this stage, your shoulders should be over your wrists and your hips aligned with your shoulders. Spread your fingers apart to maintain balance and press your palms into the mat. Engaging your abdominal muscles, lift your right foot off the ground and bring your knee into your chest. Finally, lift your stomach and drop your left heel closer to the ground. You are in Half Tiger Pose. Hold the asana for 30 seconds before switching sides.
Burrito Pose
Designed to massage your internal organs, Burrito Pose is the ultimate posture for creating harmony and flow. Before practicing the asana, you’ll need to have a blanket or towel to hand. To begin, roll your blanket into the shape of a burrito or sausage until it’s roughly 5-inches in diameter. Next, move onto your stomach and place the rolled blanket directly under your belly button. To keep your spine aligned, place a pillow or a block underneath your forehead. You are in Burrito Pose. Hold the posture for a few minutes, allowing the weight of your body to melt into the blanket.
Corpse Pose
Used to relax and reflect, Corpse Pose is the perfect way to end the sequence. Allowing the body and mind to let go, this restorative posture balances the nervous system to create harmony and flow. Better still, it’s super easy to practice. From Burrito Pose, move onto your back and relax your arms by your sides. Throughout the asana, keep both legs stretched out. You are in Corpse Pose. Take a few minutes to reflect on the session and allow your body to wind down.
In Summary
If you’re feeling sluggish, fatigued, or a little disconnected, practice the sequence above to harmonize your body and mind. If you’re a beginner, we recommend using a weekly yoga class before practicing independently. There, a qualified instructor can advise you on the best way to practice and keep an eye on your form. Not only will this help you to get the most from each asana, but it will also prevent accidental injury from occurring. Before your first session, be sure to pick up the right gear. In the colder months, a good-quality yoga jacket will keep your warm when traveling to and from the studio.