BACK BENDS

Question 1

Makarāsana

Answer 1

Crocodile pose

Question 2

Bhujaṅgāsana

Answer 2

Cobra

Question 3

Śalabhāsana

Answer 3

Locust

Question 4

Salamba Bhujaṅgāsana

Answer 4

Sphinx pose

Question 5

Matsyāsana

supine back bend

Answer 5

Lord of the Fish

Question 6

Dhanurāsana

supine back bend

Answer 6

Bow Pose

Question 7

Setu Bandha Sarvāṅgāsana

supine back bend

Answer 7

Bridge Pose

Question 8

Uṣṭrāsana

Answer 8

Camel Pose

Question 9

Ūrdhva Dhanurāsana

Answer 9

Upward Facing Bow / Wheel

Question 10

Chatus Pada Pitham

Answer 10

Reverse tabletop

aka Ardha Purvottanasana

Question 11

PHYSIOLOGICAL BENEFITS - List 4

Answer 11

• Respiratory system is enhanced
• Massage the adrenal glands and thyroid glands
• Spinal nerves are nourished enhancing the function of the nervous and endocrine system
• Stimulates appetite and alleviates constipation
• Increases strength in the muscles of the lumbar
  spine
• increase the function of the immune system by massaging Thymus gland

Question 12

SAFE ALIGNMENT

Answer 12

• Activate core to support spine
• Lengthen the spine and rise/tilt from the pelvic bowl
• Ensure spine stays long when moving into and holding posture
• lots of others for the various backbends

Question 13

CAUTIONS/CONTRINDICATIONS

Answer 13

• Not to be practiced late at night as stimulates Sympathetic Nervous System
• HBP should work with more gentle variations
• Pronated and strong supine should be avoided during pregnancy
• Sciatica
• Lumber spine injury - prolapsed disc
• Acute digestive conditions; IBD, Crohans, Hernia, Ulcer