Back Arches & Forward Extensions, Culminating in Viparita Karani
This session looks at the fulcrum-like position of the sacrum in back arches and forward extensions: are they opposites of each other, mirrors to each other, or parts of the same continuum? Explore the beautiful relationship playing out in our body, culminating in supported and deeply restful viparita karani.
Level: Experienced Beginner, Intermediate
Duration: 90mins
Props needed: a yoga chair, strap, two bolsters or a equivalent stack of blankets, plate weights (optional)
This session is part of the following Short Courses:
Viparita Karani Deep Dive: the Serenity of the Inverted Lake(Short Course Level: Intermediate), and
Tag words: back pain bharadvajasana I cervical health cervical spondylosis chaturanga dandasana dwi pada viparita dandasana eka pada urdhva dhanurasana eka pada viparita dandasana I energising halasana inversions jathara parivartanasana marichyasana I Middle back parivrtta eka pada sirsasana salamba sirsasana I sirsasana sports supta padangusthasana I twists Upper Back health viparita karani
Sacrum (or the Sacral region), is towards the base of the spine, below the lumbar and above the tailbone (coccyx). Anatomically, these lowest regions of the spine are not credited with much movement. Both the sacrum and the tailbone are composed of vertbrae that fuse by adulthood. The sacrum gives stability to the pelvic girdle and forms part of the vertebral canal (the coccyx is regarded as vestigeal – of no particular use). But structurally, the sacrum is like the ‘keystone’ of an arch, and this unique position is of importance in spinal movement. This session looks at the fulcrum-like position of the sacrum in back arches and forward extensions: are they opposites of each other, mirrors to each other, or parts of the same continuum? Explore the beautiful relationship playing out in our body, culminating in supported and deeply restful viparita karani.
Props needed: blankets, belt, bolster, block,1 chair, access to a wall
Note: viparita karani is categorised as an inversion, and is therefore not advised for women during the days of menstruation. Women during menstruation are also advised against abdominal actions including deep twists