Supported Pranayama Practice
Supported Pranayama Practice can be used as an alternative to classical Savasana, and has many benefits, especially when the right props are used
Using props to support the torso in Savasana has many benefits:
- Especially with beginner students who tend to fall asleep during relaxation, this variation keeps students more alert than in classical Savasana
- Due to the elevation of the torso, it reduces nasal congestion
- The props help to support the shoulders and neck as well as open the chest
- The strategic placement of yoga props will aid students in feeling the alignment of their back ribs and the different components of breathing
- The support will help to roll the tops of the shoulder blades back, whereas many people suffer from the postural imbalances of rounding shoulders and forward head
- Improves breath awareness and helps to teach proper breathing patterns
- Is a lovely alternative to seated mindfulness, as the student can relax the lower body.
How to use props in supported pranayama practice
supported reclining pose for pranayama
In the photo above, please note that we used what we had at hand. In lieu of an eye bag, we used the student’s soft sweatshirt. We also had one yoga mat, 4 of the 3 Minute Eggs and one standard bolster. For my favorite yoga props, click here. You can make substitutions or additions as needed. I will give you the directions for what is pictured.
- Position your bolster parallel to the mat with 2 eggs underneath the top end.
- Recline over the bolster, keeping the small of your back against the bottom end of your bolster.
- Allow your arms to rest, here we used the eggs to alleviate the pull and meet the students needs.
- Allow your legs to stretch out , and separate, and relax.
- Breathe
Rana Waxman is a registered yoga therapist ERYT-500, with 20 years of teaching experience. Rana is a freelance writer and social media expert in addition to leading yoga workshops internationally and teaching alignment focused private and group Yoga Lessons in Hoboken and Jersey City NJ.
