Supported Side Stretch Pose is a gentle yet powerful yoga posture that promotes lateral movement and expansion in the body.
By using props for support, this pose allows practitioners to experience a deep stretch along the side body while maintaining stability and ease.
In this article, we’ll explore the technique, benefits, and variations of Supported Side Stretch Pose, as well as how it can enhance your yoga practice.
Technique
To practice Supported Side Stretch Pose, begin by sitting on the floor with your legs extended in front of you. Place a yoga block or bolster beside your right hip.
Shift your weight onto your left hip and bend your right knee, bringing the sole of your right foot to the inner left thigh. Inhale to lengthen the spine, then exhale and reach your right arm overhead, leaning toward the left side.
Rest your right hand on the block or bolster for support and extend your left arm overhead, reaching toward the right foot. Keep both sides of the torso long and avoid collapsing into the stretch. Hold the pose for several breaths, then switch sides.
Benefits:
- Deep Side Body Stretch: Supported Side Stretch Pose stretches the muscles along the side body, including the intercostal muscles, obliques, and latissimus dorsi, promoting greater flexibility and range of motion.
- Expansion and Opening: This pose encourages expansion and opening in the ribcage, promoting deeper breathing and enhanced lung capacity.
- Spinal Alignment: Supported Side Stretch Pose helps align and lengthen the spine, reducing tension and compression in the vertebral column.
- Stress Relief: The gentle stretching and opening of Supported Side Stretch Pose can help release tension and stress stored in the body, promoting a sense of relaxation and ease.
- Improves Digestion: By stimulating the organs of the abdomen, this pose can aid in digestion and relieve digestive discomfort.
Variations:
- Seated Variation: If sitting on the floor is uncomfortable, you can perform Supported Side Stretch Pose while seated in a chair. Place the block or bolster beside you and perform the side stretch while seated with feet flat on the floor.
- Standing Variation: Stand with your feet hip-width apart and place the block or bolster beside your right foot. Reach your right arm overhead and lean to the left, resting your right hand on the block or bolster for support.
Conclusion
Supported Side Stretch Pose offers a gentle yet effective way to stretch and open the side body, promoting greater flexibility, alignment, and relaxation.
By incorporating this pose into your yoga practice and using props for support as needed, you can experience increased expansion and ease in both body and mind.
Whether you’re seeking to release tension, improve flexibility, or simply find balance and expansion, Supported Side Stretch Pose provides a nourishing practice for overall well-being.
