[Yoga in Asturias] Iglesia de Santa María, Bandujo

𝕃𝕠𝕠𝕜 𝕒𝕥 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕨𝕠𝕣𝕝𝕕 𝕗𝕣𝕠𝕞 𝕒 𝕕𝕚𝕗𝕗𝕖𝕣𝕖𝕟𝕥 𝕒𝕟𝕘𝕝𝕖 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕨𝕚𝕝𝕝 𝕦𝕟𝕝𝕠𝕔𝕜 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕨𝕙𝕚𝕔𝕙 𝕨𝕒𝕤 𝕙𝕚𝕕𝕕𝕖𝕟 𝕚𝕟 𝕡𝕝𝕒𝕚𝕟 𝕤𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥.

This is the beautiful medieval village of Bandujo (or Banduxu), in Proaza, Asturias. The village has been very well preserved, including the church in the photo, Iglesia de Santa María, and one of the best preserved medieval defensive towers in Asturias, Torre de Bandujo (also known as Torre de Tuñón), dating back to the 10th century.

Inversions are important poses within yoga. They help improve circulation in the body, energize, improve balance, build confidence, build core and back strength and they can be really fun!

An inversion does not have to be a headstand. While headstands can be really fun asanas to do, you can get many of the same benefits from other poses that tip your world upside down!

Main inverted asanas that might come to mind are headstands, handstands, forearm stands and shoulder stands. But those are the flashy ones, there are many others that don’t get quite the same rep, but are just as beneficial (maybe even more so because they are often more accessible). Rabbit pose, downward dog, standing forward bends, and happy baby are just some examples of fantastic inversions that should not be underestimated.

One of the most important things to remember with any inversion is to breathe. Your breath is key to sustaining any inversion. Try practicing different pranayam, breathing exercises—like deep belly breathing, bastrika, or ujjayi (ocean or victorious breath)—to help you in your inversions.

There are a few contraindications to be aware of: high blood pressure, some heart conditions, neck injuries, recent stroke, detached retina, glaucoma and epilepsy—all common issues that should be addressed before you invert. Talk with your doctor and teacher if you are unsure about your situation.

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