This variation of dynamic Bridge pose is one that I learned when studying in India in 2005 with TKV Desikachar.
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Interesting. I wonder if you could comment on the twisting of the neck from your medical perspetive…In the Iyengar system, we are taught to teach keeping the head and neck centered in Setu Bandha or Salamba Sarvangasana for saftety. Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
You bring up a good point. I studied initially with Iyengar teachers, and indeed we are told not to turn the head when holding the pose statically to reduce the chance of injury to the neck. This makes sense as we are often going to our edge of our flexibility and range of motion in these moments. My experience over the last 12 years doing these dynamic sequences is that the movement of arm overhead when turning the neck to the opposite side, as well as the very brief moment at the top of the bridge, is very accessible and safe for most of my students. I often, when teaching this, say "turn your head gently to the side", also. However, when doing these poses statically, I never have them turn the head for the reasons mentioned initially.
Thank you the clarification. I had the same question.
Very interesting variation. Is there any reason why you didn't suggest the "pelvic tilt" (pubis bone to navel)before lifting the hips? Thank you. Nancy Yates
I believe you are describing "tucking" of the pelvis, technically called retroversion. Here are my thoughts on this from a while back…I think they address your question fully. March 13, 3013 post.
http://yogaforhealthyaging.blogspot.com/2013/03/to-peel-or-not-to-peel-working-with.html