Three Yoga Poses for Spring

During the damp and heavy season of spring the earth and water elements are nurturing the ground for growth. The heaviness in the climate can lead to congestion in the body. This is a time to ignite circulation and encourage detoxification. These three postures will help you feel lighter and more energized.

Vrksasana (Tree Pose)

1. Hands on your hips (stand next to a wall to help with balance)

2. Spread the left toes and shift your weight to the left foot.

3. Stare at one point ahead and lift your right knee to 90 degrees

4. Open your right hip, moving the right knee to the right and place the bottom of the right foot on the inside of the ankle, shin or thigh.

5. Press your right foot into your left thigh and press your left thigh into your right food as you stare ahead and breath. Think of them glued together.

6. Extend arms over head or keep hands where they are.

7. Hold for several breaths, then step feet together and repeat on the other side.
   
   Benefits: This pose strengthens the core, challenges balance and makes us feel energized.

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Eka Pada Tadasana (One Legged Mountain Pose)

1. Stand with your feet together.

2. Reach your arms over head and use your left hand to grab your right wrist.

3. Shift your weight into your left foot and slowly lift your right foot away from the ground.

4. Lean to the left and look up under your right arm.

5. Press your right foot away. Take 5 deep breaths and switch sides.

Benefits: This pose builds strength on both sides of the spine and increases focus.

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Marichyasana (seated spinal twist)

1. Sit crossed leg (notice which leg is in front) or in a chair.

2. Inhale your arms up to the sky and open them like a letter T.

3. Twist your torso to the left as far as you can go and place your left hand behind you and right hand outside of your left knee.

4. Inhale and sit up tall. Exhale and twist a little deeper.

5. Take 5 deep breaths, then switch sides. Also switch which leg is in front.

Benefits: This pose is great for spinal mobility, opening the chest and stimulating circulation in the mid-section to support the body’s natural detoxification.