Ace-Energy

Yoga asanas for energy

Sally Parkes, who runs a number of retreats both in the UK and abroad (sallyparkesyoga.com), reveals how to energise your body with this ancient practice…

Sally Parkes, who runs a number of retreats both in the UK and abroad (sallyparkesyoga.com), reveals how to energise your body with this ancient practice…

We all know that yoga is an effective way to feel great both physically and mentally, but have you ever wondered why it is so effective? It’s because yoga not only stretches and strengthens our bodies on a physical level, it also releases energy by clearing blockages that can occur in our nadis, otherwise known as our subtle energy channels. This helps to keep our energy levels tip top and minds clear of mental clutter so we can be more productive in our working life, and happier in ourselves generally. Try these yoga postures to invigorate the body and mind and get you geared up for summer.

Floor bow (dhanurasana)
Lie on your front, bend the knees and lift the feet up towards the buttocks. At the same time reach your arms behind you and hold the outside of your ankles. As you exhale kick the legs backwards while firmly holding the feet. Your upper body will automatically lift bringing the spine into a back bending position, stretching the shoulders and chest.
BENEFITS: Stretches the entire front of the body and strengthens the spine. Stimulates the internal organs and digestive system.

Fish pose (matsyasana)
Lie down, face up and rock the hips side by side and place the hands under the buttocks with your palms facing down. Contract your abdominals and legs and gently point the toes away from you. Press the hands and forearms into the floor so the chest lifts and the middle spine moves into a back bend. Relax the neck and very lightly rest the crown of the head on the ground. Let the head drop back so the crown is (very) lightly touching the floor and you can feel a stretch through the front of your neck. Your chest and front of the shoulders should feel open and stretched too. It’s important there is no pain in the neck.
BENEFITS: Strengthens and increases flexibility of the spine, opens the chest and shoulders and invigorates the nervous system.