Bhishmasana’s extensive support and alignment enable a more profound restfulness, allowing the body to fully release tension and find a deep sense of calm. Tummee.com
In the Iyengar tradition, Bhishmasana (Bed of Nails or Bed of Arrows) is specifically designed for cardiac health, anxiety, and depression. The heart opening and elevation allow for increased circulation, lymphatic drainage, spinal alignment, relaxation, and a sense of surrender and letting go. All of which support a deeper meditative state (Samadhi) than Savasana.
The pose can be done with 7 high blocks situated under the body — head, thoracic, hands, sacrum and heels as demonstrated below. For an even greater sense of lightness and stability, use 15 blocks — 2 under sacrum, 1 under each shoulder blade, upper arm, thigh and calf.
Take Bhishmasana for 5 to 15 minutes when you need to cleanse your Manomaya Kosha (emotional body). Activating and balancing your chakras in this way brings forth spiritual clarity. Integrate your Annamaya, Pranamaya, and Manomaya Koshas with the following Yoga Actions while in the pose.
Yoga Action (Annamaya Kosha):
– Once you are settled on the blocks, take 2 to 3 minutes to scan your inner body beginning at your toes and gradually moving up to your crown. Notice any tension, numbness or unease.
Yoga Action (Pranamaya Kosha):
1) With your awareness, draw the inhaled breath into each area of tension until you begin to feel ease.
2) Once you have completed your body scan and relaxation, begin to gently even the length of your inhales and exhales. You may need to count each side of the breath in order to do this. Continue with this gentle breath regulation for 50 full breaths. Notice if pauses begin to form at the top of the inhale and bottom of the exhale.
Yoga Action (Manomaya Kosha):
– rest in the pauses between breaths. If your mind begins to chatter, silently repeat to yourself “I am divinely supported and protected.”
For more yoga actions and teachings, click here. Namaste.
