Therapeutic Back Bending

Benefits of backbends are endless. On a physical level backbends stimulate and restore the central nervous system, boost immune system, realign and increase mobility in the spinal column, open the hips, and strengthen and stretch the legs. Other benefits include increasing the flow of blood, massaging the vital organs and glands, as well as loosening the joints. Backbends boost energy levels and relieve tensions stored in the muscles. Psychologically, backbends teach us to be more patient with ourselves and offer valuable lessons such as discipline and care. On an energetic level backbends allow for deep heart-opening.

In this therapeutic back bending workshop, we explore a variety of poses to stabilize the pelvis and release tension from different parts of the spine (sacrum, lumbar, thoracic, and cervical). The participants will also learn fundamental proper alignment techniques to incorporate into a variety of back bending postures. In addition, the participants will be introduced to a series of techniques to be able to tune into subtle aspects of the back and conduct energetic assessment on the back. In this part of the workshop participants will work in pairs through a series of dyadic exercises to learn how to balance the energy along the spinal column.

This workshop is of benefit to those who are interested in incorporating therapeutic techniques in their yoga practice as well as working with others in the same manner.

This workshop is appropriate for all levels of practitioners.