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Reclining supported butterfly - 
Supta Baddha Konasana

Time to restore

From a seated position, bring the soles of the feet together and slide them forwards until a diamond-like shape arises. Place your knees on pillows for ultimate support. Now get the support for the upper body. This can be lots of pillows/ blankets or whatever serves you and place it underneath the spine and head, leaving the lower spine unsupported to create a compression in this area. Make sure that the support is the highest underneath the head so the head isn't dropped back. Allow the body to fully sink into the pose and turn the attention inwards. You can stay here for as long as you need to. 

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To come out of the pose you slowly slide the legs forwards extending them on the ground. Roll over to one side and lay there for a couple of breaths. Remove the support from your mat and have a rebound with a flat back for several minutes.

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In my classes I often integrate this pose as a beautiful alternative for Savasana. But it can work as a nice opening pose as well with perhaps a guided meditation. 

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Benefits

  • A deep restorative pose to calm down the nervous system 

  • Abduction, external rotation and flexion of the hips

  • Extension of the groins  

  • Extension of the spine

  • Compression lower back

  • Opening in the shoulders and chest 

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Contra indications  / modifications and prop use

  • Lower back issues/hernia: Keep the spine straight by using 2 to 3 bolsters underneath the long cushion

  • Shoulder issues: Keep the arms close to the body by placing them on the chest or lower down the support

  • Hip issues: Elevate the knees as much as needed by using bolsters or otherwise keep the legs straight

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Alternative pose

Wide knee childspose

Watch tutorial
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