July 16 is World Snake Day. While snakes may seem a bit scary, they play a vital role in our ecosystem. Indiana, where I live, has 33 native species of snakes, four of which are venomous. If you’re afraid of snakes, learning about them can help dispel your fears or at least teach you how to avoid them. If you love snakes, celebrate them by doing a little cobra pose.

Cobra Pose

Getting into it

• Lying on your stomach, bring your hands under elbows (or under your shoulders for less intensity) and hug your elbows in to your sides.
• Engage the legs so that all toes are gently pressed into the floor; the feet will stay on the floor in this pose. Engage the abdomen. Lengthen the spine and, on an inhale, begin to lift the head, neck, and shoulders as one unit.
• Press into the hands without straightening the arms all the way and keep your neck in neutral.

Benefits

• Helps reestablish the natural curve of the lumbar region
• Helps relieve lower back pain and stiffness
• Tones the spine

Happy yoga-ing!

Debra