Pose of the week

Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclining Bound Angle Pose)

Sometimes when you're tired, the best medicine is a restorative, rather than an active, yoga practice. Almost nothing feels as good as relaxing into the floor after a stressful day. This restorative version of Baddha Konasana (Bound Angle Pose), Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclining Bound Angle Pose) is a lovely way to end the day. 

Enter Bound Angle Pose by sitting up tall on your sitting bones and bending your knees. Place your feet against one another and bring them as close to your body as your knees allow. Then, lean back on your hands, lowering your back and head to the floor. (You may support your head and torso on a pillow, a bolster, or blanket under your spine, to help open your chest, if you like.) If your knees don't easily release toward the ground or if you feel any strain in your groins, support each of your thighs on a block or folded blanket (big books also work well). Rest your arms on the floor or place the backs of your hands on your thighs. Relax, breathe, and hold for five minutes if possible. To come out, use your hands to bring thighs together, roll to one side, and push yourself away from the floor, allowing your head to follow your torso.

Benefits: 

Frees pelvic area
Increases vitality in digestive organs
Good for pregnant women in preparation for childbirth (use bolsters)
Quiets the mind
Relief from PMS and menopausal symptoms
Stretches inner thighs and opens groins 

Contraindications: 

Do not do this pose post-partum until the pelvic muscles, that became loose for child birth, have recovered their pre-pregnancy tightness.

Be careful if you have had a groin or knee injury. Use bolsters under the knees for support and do not bring the knees down too far.