Yoga Benefits Series: Backbends

Benefits of Backbends:

·         Backbends stretches the front of the abdomen, hips, thighs, shoulders and chest

·         By activating the abdomen, they stimulate the kidneys, reproductive, and digestive system.

·         The backward bending postures energize, refresh and invigorate the body- opening the chest, and encouraging proper breathing

·         On an anatomical level, this action stretches and releases the muscles of the chest allowing circulation to flow freely to the heart and lungs.

·         During the back-bend the thymus is pressured, and then released, this stimulation can aid immune function. The nervous system is stimulated, building heat and stimulating metabolism

·         The abdominal muscles receive a stretch, as does the digestive system

·         Backbends bring heat and energy to the spine. The Nervous system benefits, as Cerebral-Spinal fluids are pumped (since the body is usually in a forward bend)

·         Backbends realign the spine, counteracting and re-teaching the body’s poor habits and making daily movement more comfortable, lending poise and grace

·         Integrity of the spine creates integrity of the mind, combating depression and lethargy

·         By opening the chest, backbends also work with the heart center, encouraging complete expansion of the lungs. This brings vitality.

More Physical Benefits:

• Stimulates the sympathetic nervous system and prepares the body for action.
• Helps counteract damage of bad posture.
• Relieves back pain, bronchial distress, scoliotic deformities, tennis elbow, frozen shoulder.
• Realigns the spine.
• Promotes proper kidney function.
• Helps with digestive function, eliminating constipation and flatulence.

Energetic Benefits:

• Stimulates all the chakras, primarily creating opening in the fourth (heart) chakra.

Emotional Benefits:

• Helps to break through insecurity and fear.
• Relieves stress and tedium.
• Opening the lower back helps to free you from insecurity and taking yourself too seriously.
• Helps to build confidence and self-esteem .

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