Wellness: Yoga poses to help beat insomnia

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"16511","attributes":{"class":"media-image wp-image-27897 alignleft","typeof":"foaf:Image","style":"","width":"200","height":"238","alt":"Plow Pose or Halasana"}}]]Plow Pose or Halasana

Poses where the head is lower than the heart, and the hips and legs are higher than the heart are called inversions. They are known to be effective in combating insomnia. To perform Halasana, lie on your back and let your legs come up and over the head, reaching your toes to the ground.          

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[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"16509","attributes":{"class":"media-image wp-image-27895 alignright","typeof":"foaf:Image","style":"","width":"200","height":"238","alt":"Child\u2019s-Pose-or-Balasana"}}]]Child’s pose or Balasana

The Balasana is often performed as a resting position, and is incorporated into the asana sequences used in different styles of yoga. Aside from its calming and meditative aspects, the Balasana is also good for relieving tension in the neck and shoulders – the parts of our body where stress manifests itself physically. To do the Child’s pose, knees and fold your legs underneath you, resting the buttocks on the soles of your feet. Bend your body forward and lower your forehead onto the floor. You can rest your arms by your side or extend them with your palms touching the floor.  

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[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"16512","attributes":{"class":"media-image wp-image-27898 alignleft","typeof":"foaf:Image","style":"","width":"200","height":"232","alt":"Standing-Forward-Bend-or-Uttanasana"}}]]Standing Forward Bend or Uttanasana

Forward bends will work to help release tension and get the body in a comfortable, physical state. To do the Uttanasana, first stand with your feet at hip-width distance. With your arms raised overhead, begin to slowly lower your upper body towards your legs. If you can’t reach the floor with your hands, you can bend your legs also and just fold your arms in front of you and reach for your elbows.      

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[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"16512","attributes":{"class":"media-image wp-image-27898 alignright","typeof":"foaf:Image","style":"","width":"200","height":"232","alt":"Standing-Forward-Bend-or-Uttanasana"}}]]Legs up the wall or Viparita Karani

The English name for this asana pretty much says it all; you lie on your mat with your legs up straight and leaning against the wall.