4 Reasons To Do “Threading The Needle”

woman doing thread the needle yoga pose

How many times do you find yourself reaching up and trying to release tension in your neck and shoulders or that pesky knot that unfortunately finds its way just under your shoulder blades?

Neck pain

You find yourself rubbing and rubbing until your hand feels like it’s about to fall off, only to realize that it really didn’t make a dent in the pain. Most of the time, we just try to ignore upper back tension hoping it will eventually go away.

Stop Back pain with thread the needle pose - shoulder pain

HELP IS HERE!

Let’s take a look at a wonderful and helpful Yoga Pose (Threading The Needle) that is exactly what you need. Give it a try, and see how amazing it is! It is even suitable for all students, including beginners. 

4 Reasons To Do Threading The Needle Pose:

  1. Great stretch through the chest and shoulders.
  2. Provides a gentle twisting motion that helps stretch and loosen the muscles in the low back.
  3. Gently relaxes the muscles and relieves tension with chronic shoulder pain.
  4. Releases the pressure that is commonly held in the upper back and between the shoulder blades.

Thread the Needle Pose Instructions:

  • Begin on your hands and knees. Place your wrists directly under your shoulders and your knees directly under your hips. Point your fingertips to the top of your mat. Place your shins and knees hip-width apart. Center your head in a neutral position and soften your gaze downward. This is Table Pose.
  • On your next exhale, slide your right arm underneath your left arm with your palm facing up. Let your right shoulder come all the way down to the mat. Rest your right ear and cheek on the mat, then gaze towards your left.
  • Keep your left elbow lifting and your hips raised. Do not press your weight onto your head. Instead, adjust your position, so you do not strain your neck or shoulder.
  • Soften and relax your lower back. Focus on slowly letting go of the tension in your shoulders, arms, and neck.
  • Hold for up to one minute. To release, press through your left hand and gently slide your right hand out. Then repeat the pose on the opposite side for the same length of time.

Threading the needle yoga pose view from rear

Thread the Needle Stretch Modifications & Tips:

  • If you are experiencing any knee pain, place a folded blanket or mat under your knees.
  • For a deeper shoulder stretch, come into the full pose. Then, bring the lower arm of the elbow that is bent (the arm that is not doing the “threading”) behind your body and rest the back of that hand on your lower back. Your lower arm should remain on the floor with your palm facing up.
  • Do not let your raised shoulder collapse in towards your chest. This helps to protect your neck while also increasing flexibility and strength in your shoulders and chest.

Always work within your own range of limits and abilities.
If you have any medical concerns, talk with your doctor before practicing yoga.

Read Next:

Discover the Health Benefits of Restorative Yoga

Fight Aging With Stretching

6 Shoulder Stretches For Comfort And Mobility As You Age

How to do the Threading The Needle Yoga Pose

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We are giving away a $50 Amazon Gift Card every month to one of our subscribers! To enter, simply add your email address below. If you already subscribe, you will automatically be entered. Winners will be chosen randomly.