GENTLE BACK BENDS
Back bends are essential for depression. The ones shown here are intended to be accessible for most bodies. For anxiety they can be a beneficial counter to forwards folds and should be practices in a way that is not overly strenuous with a focus on grounding (sphinx is especially grounding).
SPHINX
CATEGORY - Gentle backbend
LEVEL - Beginner
CORE QUALITIES - Inner Wisdom & Compassion, Centered Vitality
MODIFICATIONS -
None
CAT POSE
CATEGORY - Gentle Backbend
LEVEL - All Levels
CORE QUALITIES - COMING SOON!
MODIFICATIONS -
Practice with a blanket under knees if they are tender.
HEART OPENING POSE
CATEGORY - Gentle Backbend
LEVEL - All levels
CORE QUALITIES - Heart Open, Mind Grounded
MODIFICATIONS -
Practice against the wall or in a chair with arm support for comfort or if inversions are contraindicated (e.g., unregulated blood-pressure, traumatic brain injury, heart disease and stroke)