Backbends: Why do I want to Cry, Run Away or Punch Something?
“Beam your nipples to the ceiling!” says my teacher with glee, but all I want to do is burst into tears!
Backbends are one of the most dramatic and emotionally charged groups of postures we attempt in a yoga class. If you have ever moved into ustrasana (camel pose) or purvottanasana (upward plank pose) and felt a wave of anxiety, anger or intense sadness sweep over you, you are not alone. These little devils are exquisite in opening the heart in such a way that can make the toughest men fall in a heap, crying on their yoga mats or the sweetest girls want to punch something!
So, what is going on?
Physically we are asking our bodies to open at the heart center which can leave us feeling exposed and vulnerable. These days it is very common to have tightness in the shoulders from sitting at a desk all day or driving a lot. The muscle tension that develops draws the shoulders forward resulting in rounding.
Simultaneously, many of us hold emotional trauma in our chest or diaphragm, where the rounding of the shoulders serves as a protective mechanism. By bringing the shoulders forward we are shielding our heart from hurt we may remember from the past. Backbends encourage the body to open in a way that is directly opposing the protective action of the shoulders, resulting in a feeling of intense vulnerability.
Backbends are hard work. Not just on an emotional level but physically they are strong. This strength generates heat or tapas in the body which is what initiates feelings of aggravation and anger. When you feel the heat or anger rising draw your attention to deep diaphragmatic breathing and the stretch at the front body. Focusing on the cooling sensation of breath flooding the front body will distract from the heating and aggravating nature at the back body as well as focus your mind to a single point.
Why do we keep coming back for more?
Energetically they are aggravating, heating and leave us feeling vulnerable, so why do we keep coming back for more? Well, on the flip side of that they are also heart opening, energizing and incredibly strengthening.
The heat generated in these postures comes from deep conditioning of the strappy muscles of the spine and large muscles of the legs as well as an incredible stretch for the abdominal muscles and shoulders. This results in increase muscles strength and bone density, maintaining health and longevity. And if I’ve said it once I’ve said it a hundred times, we are only as old as our spine! Simultaneously, the stretch at the front body forces us to breathe more deeply and encourages fresh blood and nutrients to the abdominal organs, as well as providing a gentle massage, encouraging digestive health. If you are comfortable sending the head back, this is a nice massage for the thyroid glad, which governs metabolism.
Energetically, we are opening the heart center. This is where the feelings of vulnerability come from, however it is also where we start to build emotional strength and stability. By learning to open out hearts while still maintaining a strong posture we are learning how to move through life with compassion and empathy for others, without it consuming us. We can be strong without being detached and we can be open without being vulnerable.
Don’t be afraid of backbends. They are a wonderful addition to your practice. I will however recommend not punching your poor yoga teacher in the face. Although they will appreciate your emotional release, it will not be well received.
Happy bending!
