Butterfly
This yoga pose works wonders on stretching the lower back and is stimulates the kidney meridian of the body – considered critical to fluid energy flow. Meridians (based on Chinese medicine) are invisible pathways through which energy flows. During an acupuncture session, needles are inserted into meridians to open blocked energy and allow it to flow freely through meridians. Yin yoga has a similar effect sans needles! Each pose stimulates a certain meridian and stretches the connective tissue of the body – rather than muscle in a typical yoga class.
Let's do it
To begin, sit on the floor with your legs extended in front of you. Bend your knees and bring the soles of your feet together. Move your feet forward so that they form a diamond shape. Your knees will resemble butterfly wings – hence the pose name. Bend forward from your hips and round your spine. Let your head rest into the soles of your feet or onto a blanket or pillow that you place between your head and feet. Take deep full breaths and stay here one to five minutes.
Find your edge
With yoga we want to avoid pain. Find that sweet spot of sensation located between stagnation and pain. In yoga – and life – it’s referred to as “finding your edge.” If you are feeling any discomfort beyond strong sensation, back out of the pose by adding another pillow or lessening the time you hold the pose.
Benefits
Stimulating the kidney meridian helps to balance bodily fluids in the blood and circulatory system, lymphatic system, endocrine system, and urinary system; helps regulate blood pressure; offers an emotional opening and releases fear.
OMwork
Try a yin yoga class on DVD or at Tranquil Space. Pay attention to your energy – do you feel depleted or energized? Sit it butterfly for a few minutes a day. Note how it feels and observe your progression. Yoga is a journey and yin yoga is a yummy, slow, quiet practice.
Bisous,
Kimberly
3 comments:
Great post and pose, thanks!
i'm taking the omwork a bit further and teaching a yin yoga class. i am teaching it at a local studio here and i'm so excited for it. will definitely be sure to include butterfly pose :) hugs!!
I love this post about just one pose. Will there be more pose-posts and if so, how can one read all of them I can't find a yoga guide category on your blog? ;-) I hope you will introduce more to us, for example Eagle pose, what's up with that?
Post a Comment