Yogic Sleep Pose
The yogic sleep pose is an excellent relaxing pose when practiced in the right way. It is an intermediate to advanced pose and is usually practiced in iyengar form of yoga.
It is important to relax from the start of this position. Lie on your back with your legs spread away from each other and your arms resting by the side of your body.
Yogic Sleep Pose
Bring your knees to your chest. Now lift both your legs and cross them one over the other over your face. Your buttocks and hips will be raised off the floor. Your spine and torso will be curved a little.
Hold your feet near the toes, rock back and forth and draw your head in to the gap between your legs. If possible try and rest your head between the two feet.
Once your head is resting on your feet, slowly bring your shoulders out through your legs. Your arms should be resting on the back of your knees or thighs.
Relax in this position for as long as you can. You can release by unlocking your legs or by bringing your shoulders out, followed by the head and then releasing both the legs.
Do not hold the posture by force as this may restrict your breathing. To be able to breathe normally, relax in the pose.
Benefits of the yogic sleep pose
- This pose calms the mind.
- It stretches the muscles of the spine
- Opens the chest and the diaphragm
- It strengthens the muscles of the neck and the shoulders.
- Stretches the hip flexors
As a beginner, it may be difficult for you to bring your shoulders through your legs. So first practice by just bringing your head through the legs and once your body develops the required flexibility, you can try bringing your shoulders through. Your body tends to rock back and forth in this pose, which is great for relaxing.
