Forward bends
Forward bending asanas compress and massage the organs of the upper abdomen.
Forward bending is a familiar action for the body; we are often bending down to pick something up, or hunching forward to look at a computer screen. Although the action is familiar, the alignment, mindfulness and surrender present in a forward bending asana can be a new and challenging experience. When day to day routine requires a lot of outward focus and busyness is sedentary or very stressful leading to a rigid body, the introverting forward bends can act as a tonic, using gravity to gently open the back of the body, compressing the chest- encouraging a full exhalation and calming the mind.
Personally, I have found forward bends often more frustrating than calming, over time, they have taught me patience, waiting for my tight hamstrings to release is always more beneficial than trying to force them. The first question these asanas prompted me to ask is ‘why do I dread forward bends?’ Then as my yoga practice evolves, asking deeper questions of myself. Enquiring why I might be so impatient- and why I always want to be jumping on to something else, than to be in the present, why I’d rather look outside myself rather than looking within. Also aiming to balance this enquiry with the intention to be content, wherever I am, knowing that it is just as futile to grasp for stillness in the mind, as it is to try to force openness in the body- that both will come in time, with practice.
Forward Bending asanas move the spine into the shape it adopts in the womb, the primary curve. This action creates space between each vertebra, which benefits the nerves, improving circulation around the spine. As nerves from every organ, run through the spinal cord, this improved circulation has a positive impact on every bodily function, especially that of the brain. The compression, massage and fresh flush of circulation that a forward bend offers, benefits the abdominal organs including the liver, kidneys, pancreas and intestines. Anatomically, forward bending asanas, lengthen the hamstrings and inner leg muscles, keep back muscles supple, and strengthen the knees and front of the legs.
Forward bends assist Samana Vayu, the balancing air, which regulates digestion, menstruation, body temperature, as well being attached to the ego- processing our likes and dislikes (aided by the introverting influence of forward bends). Apana Vayu obviously benefits, from the toning action of Baddha Konasana on organs responsible for urination, defecation, ejaculation, menstruation and child birth.
