Yoga Poses for Anxiety

Published on April 18, 2008

Besides the calming effects of a general yoga practice, restorative poses, inversions and forward bends are especially calming to the body and mind, helping to reduce and prevent excessive anxiety. If symptoms of fatigue, depression and heart palpitations are present, the qi or energy of the heart center may be weak, and heart opening poses would both strengthen and calm the heart chakra. Twists, Hip Opening Poses and sidebends will all help to balance the emotions, and thus help reduce feelings of anxiety.

Click on an image or posture name for detailed instructions, contraindications and modifications.

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2 responses to “Yoga Poses for Anxiety”

  1. strnubian Avatar
    strnubian

    can I please see a picture or an illustration of the makarsana (crocodile posture)

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Timothy Burgin Avatar
About the author
Timothy Burgin is a Kripalu & Pranakriya trained yoga instructor living and teaching in Asheville, NC. Timothy has studied and taught many styles of yoga and has completed a 500-hour Advanced Pranakriya Yoga training. Timothy has been serving as the Executive Director of YogaBasics.com since 2000. He has authored two yoga books and has written over 500 articles on the practice and philosophy of yoga. Timothy is also the creator of Japa Mala Beads and has been designing and importing mala beads since 2004.
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