Saddle

This invigorating pose allows the opening of abdominal area and the frontal line of the thighs – Stomach Meridian. As for the back body, it works on Kidney / Bladder lines as they flow through sacrolumbar region (lower back).

CAUTION: this pose must NOT be performed with any knee injuries!

HOW TO

Start by bending one knee in, foot on the outside of the buttocks.

If able to go further, bend the other knee in. Extend the trunk and attempt to rest your back either a bolster or all the way down on the ground.

Watch how your lower back responds to position. Observe sensations for a while.

Transition into Half Saddle (one bent knee at a time) if there’s any sharp sensations in knees/ankles/lower back.

For Full Saddle variation, bend both knees in, feet on the outside of the bottocks, rest your back down on a bolster/ground.

Breathe here for 3-5 min and switch sides if in Half Saddle.

Hold Full Saddle for 5-7 min.

Targets: hamstrings, quadriceps glutes, calves, groin

Benefits

  • Improves blood flow in hip flexors, sacrum, quadriceps and the front the body.
  • Bladder Meridian matches the path of peripheral nerves thus its activation brings relaxation response to the system.