29-Jul-2010

Chin In Chest Out

Yogic Chin Lock

Very often, if not always, yoga has an emphatic focus on the movement of the spine. When you move into an asana (posture), you line it all up and then rest for a moment, letting it take effect. Most of the time, the finishing touch on that posture is jalandhar bhand, or yogic neck lock.

Neck lock is easy to forget, but just as easy to remember! All you do is get into position in any given posture and then bring the chin toward the throat, where the Adam’s apple is on men. As you do it, you should feel an extension at the top of the spine, in the space between the backbone and the bottom of the skull. It feels so nice, why not do it now? Don’t wait for your next yoga class. This simple movement relieves a little bit of tension every time you do it, lowering stress and reducing chances of a headache. For additional benefit, puff out your chest like a proud peacock. And don’t forget that attitude! Embrace the stress-free living you deserve.