If you have been to a yoga class, you have practiced heart-opening asanas (physical postures). You\u2019ve also probably heard yoga teachers talk about \u201copening up the heart space\u201d and \u201cenergy fromthe heart center,\u201d You may have wondered what that means.<\/p>\n

We also often talk about physical and emotional release in our practice. This usually comes from heart-opening asanas and working negative emotions that have manifested into muscle tension.<\/p>\n

In the same way, we open our hearts and mind to things in life (new opportunities, paths, adventures); it\u2019s the same for our physical bodies. Physically, a lot is happening in our heart space \u2013 bones, ribs, and sternum, all held together by soft tissues. Our aim in yoga is to keep our muscle tissue mobile and heart space included.<\/p>\n

Feelings of anxiousness, pressure, challenge or emotional distress can translate to short, sharp breathing and, in turn, muscle tightness. By practicing\u00a0pranayama\u00a0(controlled breathing) and heart-opening asanas and exercises, we are encouraging mobility and opening in the ribcage and heart space by stretching the soft tissues in our body.<\/p>\n

We are pairing a slow, gentle practice with more profound, more conscious breathing allows for more of a release, which is necessary for many of us who sit at desks and hold tension in our heart space. Also important for those experiencing stress or anxiety in day-to-day life, which is many of us.<\/p>\n

Try\u00a0supported fish pose,\u00a0locust pose, or\u00a0puppy pose\u00a0for something more accessible. Try\u00a0bow pose,\u00a0upward plank, or\u00a0wild thing\u00a0for something a little more advanced.<\/p>\n

You may notice how this changes your approach to these asanas when you come to practice next. If it\u2019s not in a yoga class, perhaps you can incorporate controlled breathing and heart-opening stretches into your daily routine.
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