The Yoga Posture Brace

One of my favorite teaching topics is the Posture Brace. It is the opening of the chest with a strap, as will be described in this blog post. The expression on the faces of those who experience it, is one of complete and utter relief, as stresses due to bad posture are instantly released.

Not many of us practitioners get to experience the fullness of breadth that comes with an open chest, due to the limitations that exist in our own bodies. This exercise is a way to compensate for these limitations and teach the body new and valuable habits which are helpful in any posture.

Instructions:

1) Take the strap accross the bottom tips of both shoulder blades.
2) Take the strap in front and loop it over the trapezius muscles (these are near the base of the neck on either side)
3) Cross the strap in the back and use a either hand to hold the loose ends and pull downwards.

With this several actions about chest opening can be observed.

Stage 1 - Strap stretched across bottom tips of the shoulder blades	Stage 2 - Strap looped in front and over the trapezius muscles on either side near the base of the neck	Stage 3 - Straps crossed in back and then being pulled by either hand downwards

Observed Actions:

1) The bottom of the sternum moves forward
2) The trapezius muscles move away from the neck
3) The upper arms roll outwards
4) The back of the armpit moves the front
5) The shoulder blades press into the back and a deep groove is formed in between them.

Front View - Showing the bottom of the sternum going forward and up.	Side View - Showing the back of the armpit moving to the front and the upper arm bones rolling outwards.	Back View - Showing the shoulder blades pressing in towards the chest and the trapezius muscles moving away from the neck.

The awareness created by learning the foregoing actions, can be used to decipher any pose that requires an open chest.

For example in Paschima Namaskarasana (Reverse Prayer Pose) , if the above-mentioned instructions are repeated, this can be very healing for the shoulder and neck area. In Prasarita Padottanasana (Wide Legged Standing Forward Bend), though the body is in a forward bend, the very same instructions and the very same actions will deepen the pose as well. Although Salamba Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand) is an inversion, it also requires the same actions to fully experience the pose.

This is not something that can be just read an understood. It requires that you take the time out to study and experience it for yourself in each of the above mentioned postures.

However the Posture Brace of itself, is sure to brighten your day. In fact if you feel satisfied and you wish to keep it on longer, simply buckle the strap in front and tighten accordingly.

It is my please sharing yoga with you.

Namaste.

Asha.