Heart-Opening Yoga Poses

Heart opening yoga poses offer a wonderful counter-balance for rounded shoulders, which is a common side effect of desk jobs and computer work. Opening the upper body and chest area can improve posture by reversing forward leaning tendencies.

Energetically, heart opening yoga poses can release blockages in the heart chakra and elicit a sense of warmth and openness to love and new experiences.

Chest / Heart Opening Yoga Poses with Props

Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana) option to use a bolster

Cobra pose is a heart and chest opening backbend that stretches the entire upper body. It’s a more gentle lead up to upward facing dog and can be modified to make it a more restorative asana.

To set up for cobra pose, begin by lying on your belly with your feet hips-distance apart. Place your hands alongside your ribs and press your toes into the mat to activate your legs, slightly rolling the inner thighs up to keep the lower back relaxed. Press down through your palms to gently lift your chest, rolling your shoulders down away from your ears as you extend your heart forwards. Keep the back of your neck long and your gaze straight forward.

To set up for cobra pose with a bolster, place a soft bolster, pillow or rolled blanket in the…