Setu Bandha Sarvangasana
[Bridge Pose]
[setu = dam or bridge
bandha = lock
sarvangasana = shoulderstand]
Setu Bandha Sarvangasana is a bridge backbend pose that improves spinal flexibility.
For me it really helps to lower my stress levels and a lot of minor aches and pains.
I often find I have an aching back, shoulders and neck after a night out drinking (for who knows what reason! xD), the bridge pose is something I like to try and work in the day after a night out :)
The Pose
Lie down on you back on a yoga mat (much better than the floor!!) Bend your knees and place your feet flat on the floor. Extend your arms along the floor, palms flat.
Press your feet and arms firmly into the floor. Exhale as you lift your hips toward the ceiling.
Draw your tailbone upward.
Roll your shoulders back and underneath your body. Straighten your arms as much as possible, pressing your forearms into the mat. Reach your knuckles toward your heels.
Keep your thighs and feet parallel and Press your weight evenly across all four corners of both feet. Lengthen your tailbone toward the backs of your knees.
Stay in the pose anywhere from 30 seconds to 1 minute. Release with an exhalation, rolling the spine slowly down onto the floor.
