https://www.yogajournal.com/practice/5-shoulder-opening-binds

5 Shoulder-Opening Binds to Ground & Cleanse the Body

Binds are a wonderful way to open the shoulders, create a safe, stable haven in a pose, and build prana in the body. Within these 5 binds, you’ll find some of the most elegant, graceful shapes that ask you to rise to the occasion.

AMY IPPOLITI

MAR 22, 2017

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Binds are a wonderful way to open the shoulders, create a safe, stable haven in a pose, and build prana, or energy, in the body. Often after holding a bind, upon release, a flush of blood moves through the body and feels quite cleansing. Binds are also helpful in increasing your flexibility, patience, and resolve because they take practice, determination, and perseverance to achieve. Within these 5 binds, you’ll find some of the most elegant, graceful shapes that ask you to rise to the occasion.

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Half Lord of the Fishes Pose II

Ardha Matsyendrasana II

This pose is one of the most challenging twists coupled with one of the most formidable binds (make sure you get a solid warm-up of twists before you attempt the pose).

Try It

Fold your right leg into Ardha Padmasana (Half Lotus Pose), keeping your left leg extended. Reach your left hand behind you and hold the outside of your left foot with your right hand. (TIP: To get the bind, the key is to lean way forward and inch your left hand onto your inner thigh first, or as a modified version. Then, the more you lean forward, the easier it will be to eventually inch all the way onto the shin with your fingers.) Once bound, you’ll actually feel quite solid and steady in the pose. Turn your belly and chest to the left and gaze over your left shoulder with your chin slightly lifted. Repeat on the other side.

See also Feel Your Way Into Half Lord of the Fishes Pose II

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About Our ExpertAmy Ippoliti is the co-author of the new book, The Art and Business of Teaching Yoga. She is known for bringing yoga to modern-day life in a genuine way through her intelligent sequencing, clear instruction, and engaging sense of humor. A teacher on YogaGlo.com, she is a pioneer of advanced yoga education, co-founding 90 Monkeys, an online school that has enhanced the skills of yoga teachers and studios in 65 countries. Follow her on:

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