How to Use the Energy Loops in Anusara Yoga

Understanding the energy loops in Anusara yoga can be tricky. There are seven energy loops that involve a multitude of poses, stretches and bends. Each loop focuses on a different part of the body, using it to create a circular flow of energy. The loops already exist; doing certain poses "activates" them. This article will help explain how to use these Anusara yoga energy loops to your advantage.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Yoga mat
• Empty space

How To Activate Anausara Energy Loops

1. Activate the shoulder loop. Stand straight with your head facing forward and your feet shoulder width apart. Inhale and hold your breath. Raise your shoulders and try to pull your upper arms straight back as far as you can. Then try to push your shoulder blades down and along the spine. Let out a slow exhale.

2. Activate the skull loop, which is an excellent partner with the shoulder loop. After doing the shoulder loop activation, face forward and try to move your ears behind your shoulders. While doing this, try raising your chin by focusing on lowering the back of your skull. Hold this position for 30 seconds, slowly inhaling and exhaling.

3. Activate the kidney loop. Inhale and exhale, trying to push the air through the bottom of your spine. Imagine your lungs are in your lower back. On your third inhale and exhale, try to "fill" your lower back by pushing only your waist backward and holding it there for 30 seconds.

4. Activate the pelvic loop. Get into push-up "up" position. Next, try to push your heels to the ground and your butt into the air at the same time. Push your hands out a little bit further to make a "triangle." Once you make the triangle, try moving just your tailbone forward as far as you can. Hold this for 15 seconds, with deep inhale and exhale.

5. Activate the thigh loop. Take a lunge pose by placing one knee on the ground . Make sure the heel is perfectly aligned under your glute. Position your other leg with your thigh straight forward and your foot flat on the ground. Put your hands on your hips and push slightly forward with them, keeping your back straight and your chin up. Hold this position for 10 seconds and switch legs.

6. Activate the calf and ankle loops together. You can do this by first pulling your calves up while standing flat-footed on the ground. Focus on pulling the calves up while simultaneously pushing your heels down into the ground. It will seem awkward at first, but once you find that balance of calves up-heels down, your lower legs will never be the same!

Tips & Warnings

• Always consult a physician before engaging in any new exercise routine.

Who Can Help Sponsored

• Tired of Being Tired? Fight Fatigue and Try FRS for FREE!

[ginaminyard]

on 4/6/2009 Greetings from the Anusara office! Thank you for writing this article about Anusara yoga. I have some questions for you about it. Please contact me at your convenience at [e-mail].