Viparita Karani Action in Inverted Positions
In his book, ‘Yoga – The Path to Wholistic Health’, BKS Iyengar says viparita karani boosts confidence and alleviates nervous exhaustion. However, the ‘viparita karani’ action can be done in other inverted positions with varying degrees of support. In this session, we look at a few different ways of executing this position. Level: Intermediate Duration: […]
Sacrum as the Fulcrum: Transition From Back Arches to Forward Extensions
This session looks at the fulcrum like position of the sacrum in back arches and forward extensions. We explore if forward extensions and back arches are 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 […]
Shoulder blades, Ribs: Arching Back and Twisting
This session explores the role of the shoulder blades in accessing the how we hold our chest: lifted or slumped. While this is a fundamental action for all asana categories: back arches, twists, forward extensions and inversions, this session links it to back arches and twists Level: Experienced Beginners, Intermediate, Gentle Duration: 75 mins Props […]
Long Holds in Supported Positions
Holding an asana for a long period of time lets the effect of the asana ‘seep’ in. Supported positions that make possible long holds are one of the boons of the methodology developed by shri BKS Iyengar. They calm the nervous system, and are conducive for a meditative and breath-centric practice. This sequences is also […]
The Armpits: Waking up the Dark Corners in Backward Extensions
This session combines supported back arches, with supported forward extensions. The back arches are used to explore one of the ‘dark zones’ in our body that usually escapes our attention – the armpit area. In this session we practice backbends with awareness to that back end of the armpits. We use the backbends to access […]
Preparing Neck and Shoulders for Back Arches
This session involves simple actions done quite strongly, making them highly effective in maintaining pain and stress-free neck. Most of the work in done through strong arms and shoulders. We use this as a preparation for back arches where the neck can often end up being uncomfortable, and also test the involvement of the neck […]
Back Arches: How to Warm-up, Cool Down, and Use Supports
Back arches are not just an important category in asanas, they are an invaluable part of our movement vocabulary for a healthy life. However, bending backwards is something that many of us have lost touch with in our adult lives. This session starts with a preparatory phase to prepare the arms, legs, and the back, […]
Knee Health Introduction (Warming Practice in first half)
The first half of this session is an active back arches practice with focus on arms, shoulders and wrists. the second half starts with visual diagnostics of the knee condition, and then arranges the knee in the simplest of standing asanas – tadasana. Level: Experienced Beginner, Intermediate Duration: 75 min Props required: 2 block, a […]
Positioning the Neck for Back Arches in Beginner Asanas
Starting with mobility and strengthening eactions in the upper back/ neck/ shoulder area, this session explores how the cervical area and the skull can be held in back arches to avoid straining the neck. We work up to salabhasana and ustrasana in this session. Level: Experienced Beginners Duration: 60 min. Props needed: one yoga belt, […]
Virabhadrasana1: The Twist and the Backarch in the Standing Asana
In this session, we start with twists, rise up into urdhva dhanurasana, dip down into parsvottanasana, and then lift back up into virabhadrasana I. Level – Experienced Beginner, Intermediate Duration – 60min This recording is part of the following Short Courses: Deep Dive – Virabhadrasana I (Short Course, Level – Experienced Beginner)and, Deep Dive – […]
