Dr Lark.com: The Sponge Yoga Pose

June 11, 2004

The Sponge Yoga Pose

This exercise relieves anxiety

and stress, and PMS- or menopause-related tension. It relieves menstrual

cramps and lower back pain, and reduces eye tension and facial swelling.

• Lie on your back with a rolled towel

  under your knees. Place your arms at your sides, with palms facing

  up.

• Close your eyes and relax your entire

  body.

• Inhale slowly, breathing from the diaphragm.

• As you inhale, visualize your body as

  porous and open like a sponge, drawing in energy from the air

  and revitalizing every cell in your body.

• Exhale slowly and deeply, allowing all

  tension to drain from your body.

• Repeat 2-4 times.

Read More on Anxiety and Stress:

Getting Started

“Fight or Flight”

Systems in the Body Affected by Anxiety

Quiz: How Balanced are Your Neurotransmitters?

Keep it SIMPLE tip — Think Good Thoughts

Nutritional Therapies

Restore Your Ability to Manage Stress

with a Stress-Reducing Diet

Restore Your Ability to Manage

Stress with Stress-Reducing Supplements

Replenishing the Pathways

Sugar Causes High Anxiety

Complementary Therapies

The Sponge Yoga Pose

Reduce Stress with Reflexology

Aromatherapy for Relaxation