5 Ways to Relieve Tension With Yoga Neck Releases

1. The Basics of Breath

In order to relieve tension with yoga neck releases, you must first learn to breath properly, as yogic breath is the key to releasing and relieving stress in the neck. Breath should be slow, deep and controlled. As you inhale, try to imagine breathing into tense areas, expanding the muscles. As you exhale, release that tension, relaxing the muscles as you attempt to move a bit further into the stretch. As a general rule, inhale through your nose and exhale through the mouth, pushing your abdomen out with the inhale and pulling in with the exhale to expand the chest cavity as much as possible.

2. Sweet Release

While yoga neck release exercises are traditionally performed while resting on your knees, they can be performed while seated in a chair if you have knee problems or simply find the position uncomfortable. Just make sure that your spine is tall and straight and your feet rest flat on the floor. Allow your right hand to rest in your lap, dropping the shoulder down and inhale deeply. As you exhale, turn your head to the right, keeping your chin and head straight. Place your left hand in front of your left ear, adding a bit of gentle pressure and hold the release for three to five deep breaths. Come back to center on an exhale and repeat to the opposite side.

3. One Fine Flex

Place your right hand behind your back, dropping the shoulder and inhale deeply. As you exhale, flex your head to the left, making sure that you do not rotate the head forward or backward, but drop the ear towards the shoulder. Place your left hand on the top of your head to add gentle pressure and take three to five deep breaths before coming to center on an exhale are repeating on the opposite side.

4. Getting Rest With Chin to Chest

Keep your spine straight and drop your chin to your chest as you exhale, placing your hands on top of your head to increase the release. Don't press down with your hands, rather let the weight of your arms do the work. Hold the position for three to five deep breaths, release your hand and bring your head up as you exhale.

5. No Pain, All Gain

Finish the neck release series by allowing your hands to rest in your lap and rolling your head back gently as you exhale. Relax as you breath deeply three to five times and then very gently lift to center on an exhale. If rolling your head back up causes strain, place your hands behind your neck before you lift up. Repeat the entire neck release series two to three times to say good-bye to tension and pain.