Yoga Reclining Hero Pose for Insomnia

Video Transcript

"The next pose in our asana series for overcoming insomnia is reclining hero pose. This is seated hero pose, so I bet you can guess what reclining hero pose is. There are several variations, and there are several ways to get yourself there. This is what I like to do. I like to bring the heels to the outside of the hips. This would be your first variation which is actually not reclining, but you've got to check in with yourself here to make sure that your knees are okay with this pose. If your knees are stressed then you need to get a blanket, fold it up and sit on top of it so that you're putting a little less of an angle in the knees. If you're comfortable here, you can begin to lie back, first coming onto your elbows. Again, checking in with your knees. If your knees are stressed, get a blanket or a bolster, put it underneath your butt and raise your butt up so that you've got a little less of an angle in the knees, can't stress that enough. If you're comfortable here you can come all the way down to the floor in reclining hero pose. This is going to open you up through the quads, through the front of the hips. Ahh, just let the hands fall open, let the eyes close, let your shoulder blades fall into the floor, and inhale and exhale through the nose. Keep the breath long and strong. Stay here for 5 to 20 breaths. If you feel that you're comfortable beyond that, you can stay here for up to 3 minutes. When you're ready to come out of this pose I find the best way is to use my elbows and slowly, slowly bring myself back up to a seated position."