The Cat
- Focus: Neck and Back Torso
- Level: Beginner
- Total Time: N/A
- Indications: digestion, stimulates kidneys and adrenal glands
- Contraindications: modifications for neck injury
The Cat
Note:
The cat pose stretches your back and neck while gently massaging your stomach and spine. It is often paired with the cow pose. You’ll find this combination used in Chapter 3 as a warm up. Individuals with a neck injury must keep their head carefully extended straight out from a straight neck throughout this pose.
Pose Instruction
- Begin on all fours, with your spine neutral (straight) and your neck long. If you have a neck injury, you will keep your head and neck in this neutral position throughout the exercise. Your knees will be hip width apart, directly under your hips.
- Your hands will be placed directly beneath your shoulders, with your fingers pointing forward. Do NOT lock your elbows. If you have a wrist injury, slightly flexing your arms at the elbow will provide additional support. If your injury doesn’t allow you to bear weight on your wrists, rest your forearms on a chair or another slightly raised surface. Breathe in.
- As you breathe out, allow your head to droop until it hangs relaxed. At the same time, press your belly button up toward your spine, pushing your back into a hump, like a cat arching its back. This will tuck in your tailbone and tilt the bottom of your pelvis forward.
- Breathe in as you return to the neutral position.
- Repeat the cat stretch five times.Over time, you can increase your repetitions up to 20 times in a single setting.
Disclaimer
In this article, I have shared The Cat : Yoga For The Neck. The information included in this Blog is designed to provide helpful information on the subjects discussed.
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