Benefits of Backbends and a Meditation for Backbends

Natarajasana, Lord of the Dance Pose

BACKBENDS

Job 11:13 If only you would prepare your heart and lift up your hands to him in prayer!

    Backbends will lift your heart to the Lord. These poses come from leg strength, so the bottom half of your body must be completely engaged and strong for a successful backbend. You have to root down in the feet, be strong in the Lord, then you can lengthen, rise up, and lift your heart towards the heavens.

Ez 31:7 It was strong and beautiful, with wide-spreading branches, for its roots went deep into abundant water. (NLT)

    Like twists, back bend postures can be incorporated into many asana (postures) families; such as seated, standing, balancing, prone or supine poses.The nervous, digestive, and metabolic systems are all stimulated in backbend postures. They are known to be rejuvenating and invigorating, for this reason it may not be a good idea to practice them near bedtime or when wanting to relax. 

    Back bends stretch the entire abdominal and release the chest muscles, allowing circulation to flow freely to the heart and lungs. Mental clarity and focus can be a result of backbends as cerebral spinal fluids are circulated throughout the system. Back bends also stimulate the lymphatic system, pumping lymphatic fluids, by opening the shoulders, chest, armpits and groin where lymph nodes and glands are located. Backbending causes pressure on the kidneys and adrenals which not only enhances the cleansing action, but also releases adrenaline, causing the invigorating sensation.

   The spine remains pliable while strength is required and developed throughout the entire body. Backward bends are dynamic postures which move to counter gravity. Generally speaking, we spend a lot of time on the front of our body, these postures need to be incorporated for a well balanced practice, as they will stretch and strengthen primarily the front of the abdomen, hips, thighs, shoulders, spine, and chest. A lot of stress, tension, or trauma can be trapped in our core center, back bend postures can help release deep tension, mild depression, and trapped emotional trauma.

    It is always a good idea to release the worked muscles from backbends by doing forward fold and/or forward bends. Individuals with back injuries, who are pregnant or are menstruating should avoid back bends. Back bends will not only rejuvenate, but will also leave you with an overall sense of well being.

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A Meditation for a Back Bend

Is.57:12-15

I will bring evidence about your righteousness and your actions;
they won’t help you. When you cry out, let those things you’ve gathered save you!
The wind will lift them all; one breath will take them away.
but those taking refuge in me will inherit the

land and possess my holy mountain.

It will be said: “Survey, survey; build a road! Remove barriers from my people’s road!”
The one who is high and lifted up, who lives forever, whose name is holy, says:
I live on high, in holiness,
and also with the crushed and the lowly,
reviving the spirit of the lowly,
reviving the heart of those who have been crushed...
It is my own doing that their spirit is exhausted—
I gave them breath!