Yin Yoga Sphinx Pose and Yin Yoga Seal Pose with modifications

blog post yin yoga sphinx pose seal pose jennifer raye

Yin Yoga Sphinx Pose

Sphinx pose is a backbend that helps to open the front of the body and compresses the lower spine, sacrum, and region of the kidneys and the adrenal glands. It also activates the Kidney meridian, and the ligaments along the spine. This is particularly important due to its connection with the reserve of Qi held in this area.

Remember this can be a deep pose. If you have a history of fragility in the lower back go very slow. And if you experience any pain slowly come out of the posture. You can also experiment with engaging the inner thighs and outer buttock and pressing the pubic bone down to create more stability and support. You can also lower down onto your lower ribs for a smaller backbend.

To release rest on your belly and then push up with an exhale and rest back in child’s pose or move to your next yin yoga posture.

Yin Yoga Seal Pose

Seal pose is a deeper back bend and may not be available for everyone. Take your time. This posture not only pressurizes the spine and kidney meridian it also opens up the upper chest, strengthens the arm bones, and provides a stretch into the front of the body which is where the Spleen and Stomach meridian run. This variation is also safe to practice while pregnant.

With your arms straight, and wider than your torso, walk your hands back until they are a few inches in front of your shoulders. Remember to protect hyper-mobile elbows by creating a micro-bend and keep equal weight distribution on your hands and wrists.

If you feel you need extra stability in the low back in this posture, you can engage the legs and glutes as described in the above sphinx posture. You can also alternate contracting and releasing of your buttocks and legs in this posture.

To release lay on belly or you can drag your foot and knee up towards the head while keeping them on the floor for a greater release. Childs pose and/or cat/cow pose is also a nice counter pose.

Mindful Yin Yoga Foundations Online Training

FREE COURSE Month of Mindfulness

Share This Post:

More To Explore

blog post yin yoga dragonfly straddle pose jennifer raye

Yin Yoga Dragonfly Pose or Straddle Pose with modifications – Lateral Dragonfly, Twisted Dragonfly

Yin yoga dragonfly posture or straddle pose is a forward fold with the legs wide. From a seated position a forward fold, ...
Read More →
blog post release the dorsal plane jennifer raye

Myofascial Meridians: Release the Back Body

Myofascial Planes The myofascial lines, meridians, planes, or sheaths provide a helpful map for understanding how positive and negative stress patterns relay ...
Read More →
blog post yin yoga butterfly pose jennifer raye

Yin Yoga Butterfly Pose with modifications

Butterfly pose is one of the most accessible forward folds in the yin yoga practice. It’s a great pose to open up space ...
Read More →
blog post what is yin yoga how does it work jennifer raye

What is Yin Yoga? How does Yin Yoga work?

The practice of yoga that we do today comes from varied traditions based in ancient India. Most of what is called yoga today can be ...
Read More →
yin yoga sequence for the spine jennifer raye

Yin Yoga Sequence for the Back

Within our yin yoga practice we can practice sequences of poses that directly target a specific area of the body. While each pose affects many ...
Read More →
blog post finding joy in the simple moments jennifer raye

Finding Joy in the Simple Moments

The sacred is all around us when we take the time to pause and notice. When we meet the simple moment with wholehearted attention we ...
Read More →
Scroll to Top