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Yoga FAQ: What is a ‘Heart Opener’ in Yoga?
How do you ‘open’ your heart?
If you’ve been to a few yoga classes, you’ve probably heard an instructor call a pose a “heart opener.”
Basically, heart openers in yoga are back-bends or chest-opening poses. Think Camel, Cobra, or Wheel pose. “Heart-opener” is just a less intimidating name.
The goal of a heart-opener is to add more space and mobility to the chest area, removing tension and encouraging circulation throughout the upper torso. Additionally, heart-opening poses are highly energizing — like a cup of coffee in a pose.
In traditional yoga philosophy, heart openers are also said to circulate Prana — or life force — through the area and help open up the heart chakra.
Heart openers are a great addition to your yoga practice. You can even do them daily for the most benefits.
