According to B.K.S. Iyengar, author of "Light on Yoga" and creator of Iyengar yoga, "the yogi's body assumes many forms resembling a variety of creatures," so that you become aware of all beings and their unique qualities.
Cat Pose
Cat pose is named after a cat's stretch when they round their backs. Come to your hands and knees. Situate your wrists so they are in line with your shoulders and your knees are in line with your hips. Press your palms into your yoga mat as your press your spine toward the ceiling. Release your neck and head toward the floor and stay for three breaths. Cat pose massages your abdominal organs and lengthens your back body and neck.
Downward Facing Dog Pose
Downward Facing Dog pose is another pose named after an animal, the dog. From Cat pose, bring your spine and neck to neutral so they are parallel to the ground. Curl your toes under and lift your hips up and back as your extend your legs. Look back toward your belly. Your body will look like an upside down V. According to YogaJournal.com, Down Dog enlivens your body and soothes your brain.
Cobra Pose
The way your body is positioned mimics that of a slithering snake, which is where Cobra pose gets its name. Lie on your yoga mat face down. Keep your feet together and straighten your legs with the tops of your feet touching the floor. Bring your hands alongside your ribcage with your palms facing down. Press your hands into your mat as you raise your head, chest and gaze toward the ceiling. Keep your elbows hugged alongside your midline and make sure they face back towards your toes. Hold for five breaths and release. Cobra pose makes your spine stronger and alleviates stress and fatigue.
Fish Pose
Fish pose in Sanskrit, an ancient Indian language, is Matsyasana. Matsya means fish. Lie on your back. Slide the tops of your hands underneath your tailbone and let your back body arch as it rests on your elbows. Hug your elbows in toward your midline. Carefully release your head back, and if your neck allows, rest on the top of your head. If you feel any discomfort, place a blanket under the back of your neck for support. Stay in the pose for four breaths and mindfully release. Fish pose helps your posture and energizes your abdominal and throat organs.
References
- "Light on Yoga"; "B.K.S. Iyengar; 1976
- YogaJournal: Cat Pose
- YogaJournal: Downward-Facing Dog
- YogaJournal: Cobra Pose
- YogaJournal: Fish Pose
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