Yoga's Supine Poses Revealed

The word supine means "lying on the back", and thereBelly Twist: This posture strengthens the abdominal
are a number of yoga poses that are practiced whilemuscles along with stretching the back muscles and
lying flat on the back and facing upwards. The supinelengthens the spine. Due to this reason, it is also known
postures are a normal part of all types of yoga,as the Spinal Twist.
whether it is Ashtanga, Bikram, Hatha, Kriya orKnee down Twist: This twist stretches and
Sivanada yoga session. The Basic Supine Posturesstrengthens the back muscles and rejuvenates the
that are done while lying flat on the back include:spinal discs.
Leg Pulls: They are used as preliminary postures thatAnd Supine Hip Openers:
relax the body. They also relieve stretched hamstringsJoyful Baby Pose: One of the basic hip opening
and strengthen the legs.postures, it also strengthens the legs and relieves
Leg Raises: These include single and double leg raises,lower back pain along with lengthening and realigning
and are mostly performed as beginning postures inthe spine.
order to prepare the body for more difficult asanas toSupine Bound Angle: A simple posture for opening the
follow. It is great for relaxing the back andhips and the shoulders, also allows time to practice
strengthening the legs and hips.breathing techniques for relaxation.
Wind Relieving Pose: Acts as a relaxer and alsoSupine Pigeon: Mostly used as a warm up asana for a
improves the working of the digestive organs. It isyoga class, it is very useful for strengthening the back
recommended for people suffering from indigestionand enhances flexibility of the hips.
and flatulence.Extended Supine Hand to Toe: A variation of the
In addition, there are a number of variations of thenormal hand to toe asana, it is helpful in making the hips
supine postures, which include Supine Backbends suchand groin more flexible. This pose is more suitable for
as:advanced yogis as it requires extending the leg at a
Bridge Pose: This posture is very beneficial in buildingright angle to the hips.
and improving the core strength of the body. ItOther advanced supine asanas include the leg to side
energizes the body and is very helpful in stimulating theyoga pose, leg reclining lunges, half shoulder stand,
endocrine and nervous systems.plow pose and upward bow pose. The basic postures
Fish Pose: A great way to stimulate the respiratory,are the most easy and undemanding to do; they are
nervous and cardiovascular systems, this pose openssuitable for all yoga levels from beginners to advance.
the chest and stretches the spine too. People sufferingAs the poses get more complex and hard to attain, it
from back and neck injury should not practice the fishis important to practice only those supine poses that
pose.are within your health and physical fitness boundaries.
One Legged Bridge: An advanced asana; it is anOverdoing your yoga routine can even be harmful in
excellent resource for soothing the brain and relievingparticular for those that suffer from various ailments or
stress. It stimulates the abdominal organs as well ashealth problems. So it is extremely important to use
stretches the neck, chest and back.caution and listen to the demands of your body while
Supine Twists like:practicing yoga.