If one is already suffering from an ailment/ weakness of the back, back arches might sometimes not be advisable. But for everyone else, it is highly recommended to make a regular practice of back arches a part of ones Asana practice – whether simple or complex/ advanced. They help in maintaining the elasticity and mobility of the spine, improve the posture, improves the nervous system, are therapeutic for various physiological and psychological conditions, and bring about a sense of exhileration and upliftment.
Especially in the Iyengar system of practice, there is an immense scope for exploration of back arches: preparatory positions give a flavour and many of the benefits of back arches even to those for whom these positions might not be advisable, the final Asanas have been dissected so that parts can be practiced in isolation. this brings focus to specific areas and actions. Props make possible those positions that might otherwise be inaccessible, and they also make possible longer stays in back arches. Independently performed, back arches are invigorating and strengthening
Part1: Preparation through a fresh approach to standing Asanas
Part2: Supported Back Arch: Viparita Dandasana Using a Chair
Part 3: Supported Back Arch Part2: Eka Pada Viparita Dandasana using a Chair
Fresh Look at Standing Asanas as Preparation for Back Arches
A novel approach to practicing standing Asanas, as we prepare the arms, legs, and the spine for back arches, through a combination of seated and standing Asanas.
This session is part of the Short Course Intermediate Level Back Arches: Supported and Unsupported. Save by buying the entire Course.
Level: Experienced Beginners, Intermediate
Duration: 60min
Tagwords: 60mins, back arches, back bends, backward extensions, standing, upper back, chest, shoulders, half handstand, favorite, adhomukha svanasana, trikonasana, parighasana, virbhadrasana1
Supported Back Arches: Deep Dive into Viparita Dandasana with a Chair
setting up, getting, and getting out of Viparita Dandasana, using a chair.
This session is part of the Short Course Intermediate Level Back Arches: Supported and Unsupported. Save by buying the entire Course.
Level: Experienced Beginner, Intermediate
Duration: 45min
Tagwords: 45mins, back arches, back bends, backward extensions, standing, upper back, props, supports, chest, shoulders, viparita dandasana
Supported Back Arches: Ekapada Viparita Dandasana on Chair
A long-ish hold in supported eka pada vipartia dandasana, after preparing the back for this position.
This session is part of the Short Course Intermediate Level Back Arches: Supported and Unsupported. Save by buying the entire Course.
Level: Intermediate
Duration: 75min
Tagwords: 75mins, back arches, back bends, backward extensions, standing, upper back, props, supports, chest, shoulders, eka pada viparita dandasana
Overview of Back Arches
Often the neck gets strained in backward extensions, as the head is taken back. This series of sessions focusses on initiating the action from the dorsal thoracic area, as well as preparing the neck for the backward tilt.
This session is part of the Short Course Intermediate Level Back Arches: Supported and Unsupported. Save by buying the entire Course.
Level: Intermediate
Duration: 75min
Tagwords: 75mins, back arches, back bends, backward extensions, standing, upper back, props, supports, chest, shoulders, makarasana, shalabhasana, bhujangasana, chatuspadasana, purvottanasana, urdhvadhanurasana