Friday, July 30, 2010

Lubricate the spine ... no props needed!


A yoga pose that you can do anywhere you have space to be on all 4's. Cat and Cow is an excellent way to lubricate the spine. You can use this pose prior to other activity or on its own, perhaps after a stressful day or as a means to wake up in the morning.

Cat and Cow

Begin on your hands and knees. Proper alignment is key. Have the joints in your arms stacked. Place your knees under your hips. Keep your arms shoulder distance apart with your fingers spread out like starfish. Keep your knees hip distance apart. As you inhale begin to round your spine by tucking your tail and chin and drawing your navel to your spine to protect your back. Imagine becoming the image of a “Halloween Cat”. As you exhale lengthen your spine and gaze forward. Imagine holding a piece of paper between your shoulders. Take slow breaths and repeat 3 to 5 times. You can even reverse the breath pattern. This pose allows you to lubricate your spine. A benefit of the pose...it aids in digestive health.

Add balance by bringing your spine to neutral and extending opposite arms. Make sure your are looking down, lengthening from your spine and reaching your hand as if you were to shake hands with someone.

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