āsana lab: yin yoga’s sphinx pose

man practising sphinx pose

The sphinx is a very beautiful posture that is accessible to most people. It is a backbend in which there is a slight compression of the lower spine and there is a stretch of the belly and chest. The sphinx increases the blood circulation around the hips and energises the entire system. Many body workers recommend this pose for lumber spine issues and can be very helpful in alleviating lower back pain. You may put a cushion or a blanket under the hips to soften the pose. Strong sensations may be experienced in the lumber spine. This is not dangerous as long as there is no sharp or electric pain associated with the sensation. Your elbows are in line with or just in front of your shoulders to give you firm support — hands gently clasped or in prayer position.

To come into the pose:

Lie down on your front with your elbows beneath the shoulders. Your upper body lifts while maintaining the forearms on the floor. Relax your gluts and thigh muscles with legs apart if possible. Keep your head lifted and breathe fully and calmly into the pose. Feel the weight of the belly and thighs being supported by the floor. Surrender. Observe your sensations arise and dissolve. Stay in the pose between three to five minutes.

To come out of the pose:

Gently open your elbows and rest your head down on your hands. The whole of the front body is now flat on the floor. Breathe fully into your lower back area, observing the sensations dissolving.

One of the few rules in yin yoga is to come into a forward bend after a backbend. The child posture would be a lovely, simple pose to move into and gently realign the spine.

Pagan teaches yin yoga in Camden on Tuesdays at 16:45, and in Ealing on Thursdays at noon. 

Are monthly symptoms wearing you down, such as PMS or painful periods, you are worried about the dreaded perimenopause chaos, feeling run down or bloated? With
Are you feeling generally sluggish or your skin is feeling puffy after a season of over indulgence?
Discover the transformative art of Qigong and its profound benefits for physical health, mental clarity, and spiritual growth. Learn about the ancient Chinese practice that
Unlock the potential of your body with Functional Range Conditioning (FRC). Discover how FRC improves mobility, joint health, body control, and benefits yoga practitioners by
Located in our triyoga centres in Camden and Ealing, our infrared saunas are ideal for easing tired and tense muscles, while providing a calming space
Explore yoga asanas for pranayama and unlock the power of your breath. Lengthen inhalations, open the chest, and deepen self-awareness through these poses. Let pranayama

exclusive
Easter membership

You’ll get unlimited classes, at all of our locations, plus loads of member perks.

And the best part, get 15% off every month. At the end of the 3 months, feel free to break it off. Get your hands on our new Unlimited Membership (3-month term) now.

Available for a limited time only.

You are buying…

Monthly Unlimited Studio Pass​

£250 per month

Studio Passes can be used at any triyoga, Barrecore, KOBOX, or Boom Cycle location in London.

By purchasing this item you agree with the terms above.

wait...
join our newsletter

sign up here to receive our special offers, latest news, event invitations and more…