Cat Pose - Bidalasana

Cat Pose allows you to focus on movement with breath. This is important in your yoga practice. Placing your focus on your breath helps you relax and keeps you calm. In this pose, with every inhale, you curve your spine down, lifting your head up. As you exhale, you draw your chest and belly in. You repeat this movement a few times. This increases flexibility of the spine, keeping it strong and lengthened.

Benefits of Cat Pose

Cat Pose is a rejuvenating pose that relieves stress, especially after a long hard day. It massages the abdominal organs and stretches the spine and the whole upper back area. It also improves circulation in the spine and core area.

This is a great pose for those with any back, shoulder and neck pain, as it loosens and relaxes the muscles of the upper back and neck. It also stimulates the digestive system and reproductive system improving overall health. This provides relief from any menstrual discomforts.

Cat stretch is great to practice before bedtime. It can help with any sleeping problems or insomnia, as it reduces tension build up in the body and promotes deep relaxation. It also facilitates deep breathing, therefore enhances oxygen throughout the body's tissues.

You should avoid Cat Pose if you have any recent back injuries.

Steps for Cat Pose

1. Get on your hands and knees. Relax your face and shoulders.
2. Make sure your hips are above your knees and your shoulders are above your wrists.
3. On an exhalation, lower your head and tuck you hips down and round your back.
4. On an inhale, arch your back and lift your chest up.
5. Link each movement with breath on your own time.
6. You can repeat this sequence as many times as you like.
7. Rest in child's Pose when done.

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