In order to balance the heat of the season and the strain of the summer months, one can aim to cultivate a calming internal environment for the body, thus, to remain cool and collected throughout the blistering heat. During this time of the year, a good method to counter the sunny weather would be to draft a lunar current within your body. Through focusing on activities and foods which help to cool the body, one can look to nourish the bodily system, and in increasing energy levels to remain fresh. To do so, here are some yoga poses which send calming waves through the nervous system and aid in the body’s attempts to self-regulate:
Moon Salutation
Like the popular Sun Salutations, each pose in a Moon Salutation is coordinated with your breathing: Inhale to extend, and exhale to bend. But unlike Sun Salutations, which focus on heating and stimulating the body, Moon Salutations are cooling and calming.
Supported Backbends
Backbends can seem intimidating, but you don’t have to be a contortionist or drop into a Full Wheel. Possibly the hardest part about backbends is that they go against the natural way we hold and move our bodies. We slouch forward and move forward; backbends take us the opposite direction. They force us to be a bit vulnerable-essentially removing the shield that protects our hearts and emotions.
Supported Shoulder Stand
Supported Shoulder Stand stretches the neck and shoulders, and strengthens the legs, glutes, arms, and core. The pose also stimulates the abdominal organs and the thyroid gland, aiding with digestion and the regulation of hormones. It can also benefit those who suffer from anxiety, stress, and mild depression.
Input from Desmond Wong, Yoga Instructor at Fitness First