BACK BENDS

The key to longevity lies in the health of your spine. Maintaining optimal spine health, especially as we age, is integral to ensuring the success and ease of everyday function and movement. Our spine assists us in walking, bending over, sitting up straight, twisting, and lifting, carrying, and pushing objects. Moreover, the spine is home to our central nervous system. The spinal cord serves as a link between the brain and the body, allowing the brain to send signals that impact virtually every body function. Injury, ill-alignment, and spinal irritation can lead to central nervous system issues. When these impediments that prevent the free flow of spinal fluid up and down the spinal column become chronic, we can experience weakened muscle systems, muscle aches, headaches, migraines, joint problems, poor concentration, and sleep disorders.

Back bend asana are some of the most indispensable tools in a yogi’s toolbox. They stretch and open the frontal plane, strengthen the neck and shoulders, as well as release tension in our hips. When practiced regularly, back bends help to counter the shapes we hold our bodies in from day to day, since our work so often is performed in front of us. The expansion of the front body improves circulation and allows for more oxygen to enter the blood, making back bends a great way to either increase energy when you need some pep, or exactly what you need to wind down and relax.

What’s your favourite back bend asana?