We usually hear the expression “bent over backwards” paired with laments of great effort and little fruition. “I bent over backwards to get my taxes done on time and ended up owing $500!” After so many negative associations, it’s not surprising that backbends have become next to last on our to-do list. Here are some interesting perspectives that might have you rearranging your priorities…
The yogic perspective: Yogis are interested in how people respond to the world around them. In the 4,000 years since yoga began, they’ve also had some time to study how the mind, body, and emotions are interconnected, and they’ve noticed that when we experience fear or sadness, our physical response is to guard ourselves by rounding our shoulders around our heart. Picture a child who’s just been picked on at school. Over time, this exposure to sadness and fear manifests physically as “poor posture,” weakening the muscles in the back and shortening those in the chest. Providing a solution, yoga offers “heart openers:” backbends which counteract both these physical symptoms, allowing our muscles to release their grip on fear, sadness and depression.
The scientific perspective: Physiologists offer us insight about why backbends are so up lifting. They offer a gentle massage to the adrenal glands, located above the kidneys. This boots your metabolism, offering benefits similar to a cup of coffee without the crash later. The muscle work required in active backbends (think cobra, bow, and wheel) boosts the heart rate and releases endorphins and other “feel good” hormones into the bloodstream, while the work itself builds strength in the arms and tones the back of the body. When you look great and feel energized, what’s not to smile about?
So, the next time you hear someone complaining about how they “bent over backwards” for something, you can offer them a healthy solution to their woes: grab your yoga mat and do just that!
Tips for Healthy backbends:
- Warm up
- Lengthen the spine in entry
- Go slowly, moving to where you can take full, deep breaths
- Follow backbends with light twists
You shouldn’t attempt backbends if you have any acute disk injuries or are pregnant. Do not consume caffeine or eat large meals before doing advanced backbends.
For more information on:
- Developing a home yoga practice
- Customizing a sequence for your needs
- Healing injuries with Yoga
- Reducing illness