Let the Wind Blow!

The winds of March whisk in the month of spring. Wind is the essence of movement, and movement is the key to our health. Not just the movement of our breath and muscles, or even the movement of our emotional and spiritual growth. On an even more primitive level our physical health depends upon the daily movement inside our intestines that removes toxins from our body. Whether due to diet, hurriedness, inconvenience, cultural taboos or some other reason, this movement can often be challenging for many of us.

Yoga offers many poses that can “activate our wind” and facilitate our daily bowel movements. That’s why it’s not uncommon to hear the wind blow during a yoga class! Twists are a great way to get our intestines moving. So is getting upside down in a shoulder stand or headstand. But there’s an even easier pose that anyone can do to get things moving and even to soothe a tummy ache. It’s called “Apanasana” or Knees to Chest Pose. It’s such an effective pose that it has earned the nickname “Windy Pose.”

To practice Windy Pose, lay on your back on the floor or in your bed. Lift one leg and hug your knee to your chest while keeping your other leg extended. Breathe deeply, then switch sides. Once your body and legs start waking up, hug both knees into your chest at the same time. If you are quiet enough, you too might hear the wind blow. If you relax deeply, you’ll eventually feel the happy relief of movement as well. What a great way to start your day, fresh and new like the beginning of spring. 

Images: Photos of K. Mae Copham by Robert Oakley. Coloring page from Yoga Teddy Bear’s Big Little Coloring Book of 108 Yoga Poses colored by Miss Michele Palumbo, Bay Shore, NY. Enter our coloring contest to win prizes!