Types of Postures

Question 1

Forward-Bending Postures (7)

Answer 1

• Calming - cooling posture
• Soothing to nervous system
• Bring deeper internal awareness
• Open backside of body
• Release tension
  Improve digestion and elimination by massaging abdominal organs
• Cleanse liver and intestines’
• Stretch hamstrings, butt, and lower back

Question 2

Backward-Bending Postures

Answer 2

• Rejuvenating, strengthening and awakening
• Open upper back, chest, shoulders, and groin
• Increase spinal flexibility
• Release held emotional energy best
• Invigorating and heating
• Should be followed by cooling twists or forward bends to realign the spine

Question 3

Twisting Postures (5) 
Contraindication

Answer 3

• Cooling and soothing after backbends
• Stimulating after forward bends
• “Smart” pose = returns body to homeostasis
• Massage and tone entire visceral system and detoxify the glands and organs
• Replenish circulation to spine and organs
  Contraindications: Pregnancy = use gentle variations

Question 4

Seated Forward-Bending Postures (2)

Answer 4

• Increase circulation to lower extremities

- Bath brain with fresh blood

Question 5

Standing Postures (7)

Answer 5

- Increase power, strength, and stability in legs
Help: 
-digestion
- circulation
- mobility 
- spatial awareness

• Doing a series heart and lungs detox the blood
• Insulates the nervous system - makes you refreshed, attentive and settled

Question 6

Balancing Postures (7)

Answer 6

Develop:

• Poise
• Agility
• Coordination
• Concentration
• Increase inner awareness by focusing on core muscles
• Strengthening
• Increase control over body

Question 7

Inverted Postures (6) 
Contraindications

Answer 7

• Reverse the effects of gravity and revitalize entire system
• Replenish the brain
• Stimulate the organs and glandular system by reversing the normal flow of blood and lymph
• Strengthen upper body and nervous system
• Improve digestion and elimination
• Create clarity of perception, equipoise and calm
• Contraindications: pregnancy and menstruation = don’t

Question 8

Sitting Postures (6)

Answer 8

• Calming and nurturing
• Open hips
• Promote vitality
• Improve circulation
• Center the mind
• Soothe the nervous system

Question 9

Reclining Postures (7)

Answer 9

• Usually a cool down
• Reduce fatigue
• Increase mental clarity
• Open spaces within the body within the body that are closed by tension
• Increases flexibility through groins and hips
• Stimulates digestion and elimination
• Strengthens the lower back and legs

Question 10

Relaxation Postures (3)

Answer 10

• Soothe and balance the nervous system
• Offer the body rest during a practice (child’s pose + corpse pose)
• Focus on breathing and embracing sensations