Most of us have days when we feel the tension gather in our shoulders. It’s a very normal reaction that, unfortunately, never really switches off in our current culture, unless we actively do something to release it. The practices from this week do just that. Keep in mind that the shoulder is a shallow ball and socket joint, hence be very mindful and careful when increasing your range of motion here, so that you do not overdo things and cause injury.
Constructive rest, arm under lower back: Slide the lower arm under the back until your fingers are peeking out on the other side of the torso. Use your breath to create space at the shoulder socket and upper arm. Press the arm out and down gently with the exhale, relax on the inhale. Keep the lower back relaxed. Imagine the shoulder blade flattening against the back. Remain here ~5+ minutes on each arm. Should you feel pins and needles at any point, pull the arm out and move it around, as this means there is a picking of nerves or blood vessels. You can then try again, and might be able to stay longer a second, third, or fourth time around.
Large arm rotations: Stand with feet hip width apart. Reach the arm in a semi-circle forward and up on inhale, back and down on the exhale. Repeat 5 or more times in each side to warm up the shoulder joints.
Garudasana arms: This asana lengthens the muscles in the upper back, between and under the shoulder blades. Follow the preparatory poses below from upper left -> upper right -> to lower right. Use the belt if need be (lower left).
The pictures below on the left show alignment mistakes; the photo on the right shows correct alignment for the pose.
Raise the elbows, move the hands away from the face, and drop the shoulders. Round the spine and widen the space between the shoulder blades as you bend forward.
Gomukhasana arms: Bring one arm across the lower back, then bring the hand of the arm up between the shoulder blades. Bring the other arm up and back to meet the fingers of the lower arm, or use a belt. NB: keep the elbow of the upper arm “hugging” the ear – not out to the side – to allow the shoulder blade to drop.
You may or may not bend forward, depending on the intensity of the pose for you.
Thursday only: Uttanasana, single arm binds: take the legs mat-width apart, bend down then slide one arm under the leg. Keep the back of the hand towards the thigh. Other arm goes behind the back and binds with the first hand, or use a belt.
Half dog prep —> half dog: For a full description of how to properly engage with these asanas, refer to the full post from January, 2018.
Thursday only: Extended side angle w/bind: Feet are in warrior II position, arm wraps around inside of bent, front leg.
Thursday only: Upward plank: To counteract the above poses, take a seat, straighten the legs, flex the feet, position the hands behind you, then lift the hips up. Keep the insides of the legs zipped together and use your core and breath, instead of your glutes.
Block between shoulder blades: Sit down first, then place the block on the ground behind you – trying to hold the block in place and lying down does not work. Believe me, I have tried it 😉 The top edge of the block supports the very bottom of the skull, giving the neck support and a little traction. Give yourself a big hug to open the shoulder blades wide, then open arms into “cactus arms,” keeping the elbows either at the same height, or higher than the wrists. Keep the wrists straight in line with the forearm, not “broken” back.
Finally, end with savansana, or lie over a bolster down your spine, and savor the release in your shoulders.
Happy practicing! 🙂
~namaste,
Sylvia