Yoga Poses
Cat Pose /Marjaryasana
Steps
On hands and knees, make sure the knees are directly underneath the hips, and the hands are directly underneath the shoulders. Spread the fingers wide and engage the hands by pressing the fingertips, knuckles (in particular the index finger), and heel of the hand, into the floor. The head is in line with the spine and the gaze is down at the ground in front of the hands. With an exhalation begin to round the spine, bringing the mid-back up towards the ceiling and allowing the head to relax down. Draw the navel in and expand into the lower back. Inhale to return to a neutral spine. Often paired with Bitilasana- Cow Pose.
Teacher Queues
Visualization Comments
Imagine the spine like a Halloween cat- the exaggerated curvature of the spine, the tailbone sinking down.
Technical Comments
Keep the hands and fingers engaged and allow for softening in the front of the chest. The neck is relaxed.
Benefit Comments
- Stretches the spine.
- Massages the internal organs.
Watch Out For:
- Putting too much weight in the wrists.
- Pulling the head in towards the belly.
Contraindications
Modifications
Variations
Yoga Counter Poses
- Bitilasana
- Balasana
- Advo Mukha Svanasana
Written By: Meghan Aris
Certified in several disciplines of yoga, a pilates teacher and teacher trainer, Meghan is continually widening her path of body/mind studies. At a young age she began her journey into body movement through dance. After being diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, she shifted her practice to more rehabilitative yoga. In this discipline she found not only the resources to heal her body, but also a guide to living a life full of peace and joy. She can be found teaching on any given day at The Space Vancouver.