emjay
Regular
Dec 13, 2002, 10:39 AM
Post #2 of 2
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I would start with simple cat and dog stretches with spinal flexion and extension combined with the breath. From hands and knees begin slow deeper breathing and on the inhale lift the head, drop the belly, and lift the tailbone. With the exhalation reverse the flow by dropping the head, lifting the belly, then tucking the tail. Let the breath lead, not the mind. Do a low number of cycles and increase over time. Also do side bending from hands and knees (lateral extension): slowly bring the tail to one side while you move the head toward the same side (the spine form a "C"), then slowly switch to the other direction. DO NOT TURN THE HEAD/NECK - KEEP THE EYES/HEAD FACING DOWN. Add to this some passive reclining twists. Have the student progress on to some supported back bends and forward bends such as chest opener on blocks, lying on cross bolsters, or supported bridge pose and supported child's pose. Depending on their overall physical ability, they can eventually move on to the more active poses. I have a student with ankylosing spodylitis and they have to progress slowly and gently while keeping limber and not staying too long in one position. Gentle movement is their friend, aggressive work and being sedentary too much their enemies.
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