Yesterday evening I went to an amazing Yin yoga class. I’ve been doing some strength oriented exercise classes lately and so have felt a bit tight in my lower back. In last night’s class we did the Seal Pose, which is the Yin version of Bhujangasana (Cobra). There are however a couple of differences. Your hands are kept further in front of your body(rather than beneath your shoulders) and are wider apart – about the width of your yoga mat. Feet and legs are also opened to the edges of your mat. I find this setup is easier on my shoulders and allows me to get a deeper backbend that I am able to hold longer.
Benefits of the Seal Pose
- Opens the chest
- Stretches the front of the abdomen
- Compresses and stimulates the sacral-lumbar arch
- Stimulates the Urinary Bladder and Kidney meridians
- Stimulates manipura chakra
Have a look at the video below by Mark Laham. This is a great demonstration and description of both the Sphinx Pose and the Seal Pose.
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