Try Libra yoga for relationship problems, low back pain, indecision, emotional imbalance. Promotes forgiveness, peace, clarity, equilibrium and compassion.
Libra rules the lumbar spine, kidneys and adrenal glands.
Prana vayu : prana // Ayurvedic dosha : kapha - according to Vedic astrology, but I would also say vata
Meditation : svadhisthana (sacral chakra)
Libra sign rules the lumbar spine, upon which the upper body rests and below which the lower body turns and dances. Libra herself serves as a midway point in the zodiac wheel, coming in at number seven of 12. From a seated position, give yourself love and support in the lower spine. Concentrate on lengthening here. There is a delicate balance between activating the lumbar and relaxing the hips. Ground down into the earth through the sits bones to become taller in the lumbar and then consciously relax the gluteal and hip flexor muscles. Send energy down to the root chakra with a fiery light turning warmest red. Breathe deeply.
Nadi sodhana
This pranayama is known in English as alternate nostril breathing. We breathe primarily through one nostril at a time, switching every few hours. Nadi sodhana centers the breath so that it flows evenly through both nostrils simultaneously. Ancient yogi masters claimed that attaining such equilibrium in the breath is necessary for clarity and insight. This exercise is performed with the right hand. Fold the peace fingers in to the palm or, alternatively, rest the tips of the fingers on the third eye. Starting with an exhale through the left nostril, pressing thumb to outside of the right nostril. Inhale through the left nostril and then, before exhaling, close the left nostril with the ring and pinky finger (both nostrils are closed at this point), hold the lungs full for a moment, and then release through the right nostril, lifting the thumb. Inhale through the right nostril, hold both nostrils closed with full breath in the lungs, and then continue, exhaling out the left. This is the order: exhale, inhale, hold, switch. Keep breathing in this manner for 5-10 minutes before returning to your organic breath.
ardha padmasana
- all balancing poses!
- virabhadrasana 3 (balancing warrior)
- garudasana (eagle pose)
- utthita hasta padangusthasana (extended hand to foot pose, with optional twist)
- svarga dvijasana (bird of paradise)
- ananda balasana (happy baby pose)
Open the hips to relieve lumbar pain : Above I’ve listed only balancing poses, even though Libra rules the lumbar spine - so where are the poses to relieve pain in the lumbar, you might ask? Many have experienced (chronic) pain in the low back at some time. Our first inclination is often to bend and “stretch” the low back with forward folds and the like. However, *most* of the time low back pain is a result of over stretching - forward folds will only further aggravate the lumbar! The muscles of the low back must return to their original size and shape. We can facilitate this by opening the hips and the front of the body. Think of how often we round forward throughout the day: texting, driving, cooking, sitting, working on the computer, etc. In fact, we are constantly stretching the muscles of the low back. There are dozens of very simple yoga poses that create space in the hips. Here’s one you can even do while laying in bed on your stomach: slide one knee out until the thigh is perpendicular to the rest of your body. Other classics include tree pose, pigeon pose, goddess pose, cow-faced pose, and the list goes on - message me for more suggestions.
Seated turning and stretching : Here’s a nice little opener for the lumbar. From a seated position on the floor, interlace the fingers overhead, palms turned up. Relax the shoulders and pull the arms energetically into the shoulder sockets. Turn from side to side, twisting from the low back and breathing deeply. Release the hands and place them on either side of the hips. Press down through the palms to lift the chest. The shoulder blades move down and in as the heart opens. Ground through the sit bones. Lengthen the spine, relax the surrounding muscles.