Thursday, January 12, 2017

This week's pose: Thread the Needle (Sucirandhrasana / Parivtta Balasana)


“Thread the Needle” -or “Revolved Child’s Pose”- is a restorative and detoxifying pose that offers a gentle way to begin the new year.  By twisting Child’s Pose (Balasana) or Puppy Pose (Uttana Shishosana), you’ll use gravity to wring toxins from your internal organs like a cleansing sponge. 

To practice Sucirandhrasana, begin on all fours.  Slide your hands forward while keeping your tail in the air.  Your arms are strong and straight.  Take one hand and “thread the needle” by sliding it palm-side up under the armpit of your other arm.  Your ear and outside shoulder rest on the ground, allowing your thoracic (middle) spine to gently twist.  If it feels nice, lengthen your spine by sliding your tail back over your heels and letting your belly rest on your thighs as in Child’s Pose.  Breathe slowly and deeply.  Count ten breaths, then slowly untwist.  Take a deep breath then begin again, threading the needle on the other side for an equal amount of time.


Sucirandhrasana is a great place to begin if you want to commit to a regular practice.  Start your day with it, or use it to wind down at the end of the day.  Namaste!

Difficulty Level: Beginner to IntermediateColoring page from Yoga Teddy Bear: The Big Little Coloring Book of 108 Yoga Poses by K. Mae Copham.  Colored by Robert Oakley.  

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