Countering our daily forward movements with a supported back bend enhances deeper breath and deeper relaxation. As the muscles between the ribs relax and open the chest cavity increases allowing the lungs to expand and taking pressure off the heart. The ribs are attached at the spine and come all the way around the torso to the sternum. Opening the sternum, ribs and all the muscles between them allow the space for the breath to increase, releases tension in the upper spine and increases spinal flexibility. Using a firm yoga bolster helps to support us in this position so we can relax deeply and open completely.
bolster supported back opening-SD from Minga and Shawn on Vimeo.