How to Do a Shoulder Release in Yoga

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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A shoulder release can relieve stress and strain in your shoulders, upper back and neck. With just a few short breaths, you can use this yoga pose to relieve tension throughout your upper body.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Yoga mat

Step 1

Stand in the mountain pose, with your feet shoulder-width apart and your arms relaxed at your sides.
Step 2

Raise your left arm straight over your head and bend it, so that your left hand hangs around the middle of your shoulder blade. Grab the elbow of your left arm in your right hand. Keep breathing.
Step 3

Pull down on your left elbow as you inhale, feeling the stretch throughout your back and in your neck. Your chin touch your chest, so as not to pull on your neck.
Step 4

Hold this pose for 3 breaths, feeling the tension ease from your shoulders. Exhale and release your arms back into mountain pose.
Step 5

Repeat Steps 1 to 4 on the other side.