The poses below calm the heart and quiet the brain. Supporting the head below the level of the heart in forward bends is restful for the brain and heart. Resting in Savasana on a foam block expands the chest, which encourages relaxed, deep breathing, soothing the nerves and heart.
Uttanasana (beginner)
• Place the feet hip width or wider and press them down to the floor to help stretch the legs up.
• Release the trunk and head down to the support of the chair.
• The chair seat should be easy to reach. If needed, raise the seat height by adding blankets, or rest your head on a table or counter top.
Adho Mukha Svanasana (continuing)
• Place a block, blanket or bolster under your head for support.
• Stretch up through the arms and keep the legs actively pressing up and back so your weight doesn’t sink into the neck and head.
Savasana with a flat, wide block (beginner)
• This variation broadens the chest, lungs and heart, making deep breathing easier and more relaxed.
• Start with the block positioned flat and wide beneath the shoulder blades.
• Support the head on a second block with a blanket, so the head is slightly higher than the chest.
Savasana with a tall, narrow block (continuing)
• This variation is more stimulatin , but it’s still very relaxing if it’s comfortable for you to practice.
• Turn the block to its narrow, middle height and place it along the thoracic spine between the shoulder blades.
• Support the head on a second block with a blanket, so the head is slightly higher than the chest.
Learn more about yoga for a healthy heart
4 yoga poses to stimulate the heart
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