Backbends

Backbends, also known as Heart Openers, are invigorating and uplifting. When practiced with care and intention, they can lift our spirit and stimulate waves of joy. Backbends stretch the front of the body, especially the chest, which is why they are also known as heart openers, and flex the back of the body. Practicing moving the body in this way can reverse a common tendency to round the back as we age, keeping the spine mobile and upright. Backbends need to be practiced with care to avoid aggravating back muscles. Watch your breathing in backbends: if your breath is short and labored, back out of the pose and work on practicing with more compassion and less force. Refer to backbends in your manual starting at page 111. After backbends, counterpose with twists and forward folds to bring everything into balance.