Alignments And Poses Flashcards
Purpose of alignment
To practice yoga with intention and a strong, open heart. Physical alignment and intention helps the brain to be spiritually present
Foundation
Four points of contact
Whether it’s feet or pelvis or hands
Muscular energy
Drawing energy into body by firming, activating and contracting muscles
Four flows of muscular energy
- Hugs muscles into core lines of limbs
- Draws limbs towards centre of body
- Draws energy from periphery to towards focal point
- Draws from foundation to focal point
Organic energy
Soft expansion, energetic body
Four flows of organic energy
- From focal point out along core lines
- Extends from focal point down to foundation as rooting action
- Expands body seat from midline
- Shines from core lines of limbs out through muscles to skin
Three focal points
- Bottom of pelvis (sitting and standing)
- Bottom of heart (downward dog and arm balances)
- Upper palate (head is part of foundation)
Inner rotation
From outward to core
From feet up through pelvis to waist
Outer rotation
Inward to core
From waist down to feet
Heart circuit
Starts in upper palate, flows backward to base of skull, down back body to bottom of shoulder blades
Shoulder loop
Opens shoulders
Starts in upper palate, to shoulder blades To heart back
Shoulder blades together
Extends the spine
Standing pose benefits
Build strength in legs
Aid digestion
Build balance for body
The heart and lungs actively detox the blood
Seated poses benefits
Calming Soothing to nervous systems Open backside of body Release tension Improve digestion and elimination
Back bending benefits
Open upper back chest groin
Spinal flexibility
Release emotional energy
Inverted benefits
Reverse flow of blood stimulating organs and glandular system
Strengthens upper body
Clarity of perception and calm
