Back bends
Backward bending postures squeeze the abdominal organs
‘Bending back and opening the chest also unlocks the spirit within. Practicing these postures takes you along previously untravelled paths, challenging you to overcome fear and frustration, teaching you to move with ease and grace and to live with an open heart and a passion for life and love’
(J Chapmen, Yoga for Inner Strength, p164).
Back-bending is an unusual position for the spine, and should be approached very gently by people with back problems, pain or injury, with the guidance of a remedial yoga teacher. It is also not recommended to practice Urdhva Danurasana when menstruating, pregnant, very tired, suffering from high or low blood pressure, carpal tunnel syndrome, headache or heart problems. A gentler back-bend, such as Sethu Bandhasana, or a supported back bend (e.g. reclining over a bolster) may be more suitable.
Working with the breath can help us feel calm, and move into backbends safely. Inhale to lengthen out of the lower back, strengthening the legs and opening the chest. Exhale to soften, possibly releasing deeper into the posture. If the breath is held constrained or panicked, ease out of the pose until you relax. The breath is a good indicator that adjustment is needed, as is knees that are rolling in or out, an over-extended lower back, and obviously the facial expression and body language of the student. When a student is very, very comfortable in this asana, variations like leg raises, or straightening the legs could be introduced
http://www.yoga.net.au/back_bends/
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