By Skila Ramirez, Author of YogaFit’s Restorative Program and YogaFit Senior Master Trainer

Used to improve digestion, and to prevent acid reflux and heartburn. Perfect for these winter months as we tend to eat heavier foods that can bring about digestion issues.

For a basic set up, keeping the chest inclined, a rolled up yoga mat, blanket, or pillow placed on the ribs, below the armpits, can be used to open chest and stomach region.  I chose to extend my legs after a long day of standing, but you may instead choose butterfly to open inner thighs, or try binding, wrapping legs with a blanket to stabilize the low back, pelvic floor, hips, and SI joint.

Create you own Mantra in this pose to enhance Manipura, 3rd Chakra. Start with "I am open to ____". Since this is an energy responsible for ambition and perseverance, we can digest our thoughts here to create a new reality. "I am open to a new life, new ways of doing things, change, doing things a different way." The list is endless.

Skila began practicing yoga in 2002 as a healthy alternative to prescription drugs for pain management stemming from a car accident. After practicing with many respected yoga instructors and attending several clinics, she became a certified yoga teacher. Now a 500E-RYT, she teaches and lectures independently for several studios and schools nationwide, and is sought after for technical writing, curriculum consultations, and training development by yoga schools. Skila's in depth studies of special populations and diverse training methods makes each yoga class unique to an individual's needs. Her teachings are based on a simple truth, anyone can do yoga.