SUN - MOON SALUTATIONS FOR ANXIETY & TRAUMA
In Yoga for Anxiety & Trauma we use sun salutations and flows to warm the body and to “shake off” any excess energy. Move with the breath - do not hold your breath. Allow each posture to flow into the next with only a brief and conscious pause if needed. Practice at a level that is warming but not strenuous. All poses can be practiced seated in a chair.
*As alway consult with your doctor or contact me if you are unsure if these poses are right for you.
SUNBIRD SALUTATION
LEVEL - All levels
CORE QUALITIES - Cultivating a sense of wholeness, fluidity and releasing holding
MODIFICATIONS - None
PRACTICE TIPS -
Add the Mantra “I am” as you inhale your arms overhead and “enough” as you exhale your arms down.
Bhu Mudra “the gesture of the Earth” is used as hands come to the ground. It gives a sense of grounding.
MODIFIED SUN SALUTATION
LEVEL - All levels
CORE QUALITIES - Fluidity and releasing holding
MODIFICATIONS - Use a blanket under knees if they are tender
PRACTICE TIPS -
Begin moving with the breath - inhale forward to cow, exhale to cat.
STANDING 1/2 SUN SALUTATION
LEVEL - All levels (*may not be suitable for unregulated high blood pressure, TBI or stroke)
CORE QUALITIES - Fluidity and releasing holding
MODIFICATIONS - Bend knees if hamstrings are tight
PRACTICE TIPS -
Begin moving with the breath - inhale arms up, exhale fold, inhale lift to flat-back, exhale fold, inhale to standing with arms overhead, exhale Anjali mudra.
Lift from your forward fold slowly to avoid getting a head-rush.