Gentle Hatha - Awakening the Side Body for Back Relief

This class focuses on releasing the side body, which includes muscles from the armpit area, along the side ribs, back and waist, to the hip. When these muscles are tight, it can be felt as back pain or stiffness.

We also do one of my favourite stretches for tight feet and ankles before we practice a balance pose.

We awaken the side body in many different orientations - lying on our back, our side, while standing and balancing, on the belly, and sitting.

Props recommended:

• a cushion or pillow to sit on

• a pillow or blanket for under the knees and under the foot for a great foot stretch

• a chair if you'd rather avoid weight on the knees or less pressure on the wrists in table pose and downward dog