Monday's Inspiration!
Detox Tip from Ramon Kinkel
Re-energize your body after New Years Eve with the powerful benefits of the Bow pose!
Dhanurasana.
Dhanurasana, or Bow Pose, resembles an archer’s bow: the arms are the string linking the torso and legs into a bow. Like an archer’s bow, this pose may look intimidating, but with practice it empowers us to be vulnerable and conquer our fears. This pose is a great way for us to release stress and counter the effects of slouching/poor posture.
- Reduces Anxiety and Stress
Bow Pose massages the adrenal glands, two triangular-shaped organs located on top of each kidney. It makes sense that taking care of glands that regulate the stress response and hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline, would benefit the mind and body.Additionally, reducing anxiety and stress has been linked to improved concentration and mental determination.
- Improves Posture
Bow Pose utilizes the entire body by strengthening the muscles in the back, abdomen, arms, and legs and stretching the throat, chest, arms, abdomen, hips, groin, thighs, and ankles. Flexion of the spine activates spinal nerves, increases circulation, and strengthens the entire length of the spine. Toning the muscles and cultivating a supple, healthy spine improves internal balance and harmony in the body, which improves posture.
- Cultivates Breathing
Bow Pose is exceptionally beneficial for the respiratory system. Opening the rib cage allows the lungs to expand more fully, relieving breathing problems and ailments, such as asthma and bronchitis.The pose expands the chest cavity and opens the diaphragm as well as shoulder joints to improve respiratory conditions and reduce stress, anxiety, and fatigue. Furthermore, increased circulation promotes blood flow, oxygen intake, and release of carbon dioxide, which reduces anxiety and stress.
- Regulates the Body and Keeps Things Running Smoothly
Bow Pose heats and strengthens the entire body and kick starts the thyroid and thymus glands, which reduce belly fat. It may also help regulate diabetes, as it tones the pancreas which secretes glucagon and insulin to balance sugar in the blood. Also shown to relieve menstrual discomfort, Bow Pose aids digestion and constipation by massaging and improving the function of the large and small intestine, liver, kidneys, and spleen. Finally, it eases stomach tightness and increases blood flow and oxygen to aid in elimination.
- Stimulates Manipura Chakra
Bow Pose connects to the solar plexus, a complex part of the sympathetic nervous system that radiates from the pit of the stomach, at the navel region.The solar plexus chakra, or manipura charka, is the center of willpower and linked to empowerment, self-esteem, confidence, responsibility, and reliability. It is the seat of the digestive fire, regulating the pancreas and digestive organs. This pose can be triggering for individuals with a fear of vulnerability and trauma history or other stressors .A healthy manipura chakra is associated with the ability to move forward confidently and make conscious choices to act, versus mindlessly reacting.Like an archer’s bow, we practice Bow Pose to be strong and supple so our manifestations can release into the universe and soar with ease and intention to our targets.
Have a great start of the New Year!
Ramon Kinkel teaches Traditional Hatha Yoga every Monday from 18:30-19:45. You can also join him once a month from 20:00-21:45 at the special Yoga & Pranayama class.