Scalene Stretch Yoga: A Journey to Alleviating Neck Tension

Hey there, fellow yogis and yoga teachers! If you've been practicing or teaching yoga for a while, you know that neck tension and discomfort can be a common issue. The good news is that I have a solution to help alleviate that tension – the scalene stretch. In this blog post, I'll dive into the world of scalene stretches in yoga, exploring their benefits and introducing some key poses that will work wonders for your neck health.

Why focus on the scalene muscles?

First things first: let's talk about the scalene muscles. These are a group of three pairs of muscles located on each side of your neck. They play a crucial role in supporting your head, enabling movement, and assisting with breathing. Given their importance, it's no wonder that maintaining their flexibility and strength is essential for overall neck health.

The value of a scalene stretch in yoga

Scalene stretches in yoga offer a multitude of benefits for practitioners and teachers alike. By integrating these targeted stretches into your routine, you can:

• Relieve neck tension and discomfort
• Improve posture and spinal alignment
• Enhance breathing capacity
• Prevent neck-related injuries
• Promote overall neck health

Ready to say goodbye to neck tension? Let's get started on our journey to a more supple, pain-free neck!

Five Scalene Stretch Yoga Poses

Now that we've explored the benefits of scalene stretches, it's time to dive into five fantastic yoga poses that target these muscles. Each pose offers unique benefits and opportunities for growth, so let's get started!

1. Seated Neck Stretch

Instructions

• Start by sitting comfortably in Easy Pose (Sukhasana) or any other seated position that feels good for you.
• Gently lower your right ear towards your right shoulder while keeping your shoulders relaxed.
• Hold this stretch for 5-10 breaths, then slowly return to the center and repeat on the left side.

Modifications

• For a deeper stretch, you can place your right hand on the left side of your head and gently apply pressure.
• Nod your head “yes” back and forth gently. You can hold anywhere that feels extra tight.

Precautions

• Avoid forcing the stretch or pulling too hard on your head.
• If you feel any strain in your neck, reduce the intensity or try supporting your head with your hand.

2. Thread the Needle

Instructions

• Begin in Tabletop Pose with your hands shoulder-width apart and your knees hip-width apart.
• Slide your right arm underneath your left shoulder, lowering your right shoulder and right side of your head to your cork mat.
• Keep your left arm extended forward, or for a deeper stretch, wrap it around your lower back. Hold for 5-10 breaths, then switch sides.

Modifications

• Use a block or blanket under your shoulder to alleviate pressure on your head and neck.

Precautions

• If you experience discomfort in your neck, place a folded blanket or block under your head for support.
• Keep your hips stacked over your knees and maintain a neutral spine to avoid strain in your lower back.

3. Extended Triangle Pose (Utthita Trikonasana)

Instructions

• Stand in Mountain Pose (Tadasana), then step your right foot back about 3-4 feet.
• Turn your right foot out 60-90 degrees.
• Reach your left arm forward and then down to your left shin, ankle, or mat.
• Extend your right arm toward the sky, opening your heart, and gaze up at your front foot or top hand.
• Hold for 5-10 breaths, then switch sides.

Modifications 

• Use a yoga block under your bottom hand for support.

Precautions

• Use a yoga block under your bottom hand to bring the floor closer to you.
• Maintain a long, straight spine rather than rounding your back or rib cage.

4. Eagle Pose (Garudasana) - Arms Only

Instructions

• Sit or stand with your spine tall and your shoulders.
• Bring your right arm under your left arm, crossing at the elbows.
• Bend both arms at the elbows, bringing the backs of your hands together or wrapping your palms around each other.
• Hold for 5-10 breaths, then switch sides.

Modifications

• Wrap your legs around one another for full Eagle Pose. The top leg is the same as the bottom arm.
• Lift your elbows and press hands away from your body to more intensity

Precautions

• If you can't wrap your palms around each other, simply press the backs of your hands together or hold onto opposite shoulders.
• Be mindful of any shoulder discomfort and adjust the intensity of the stretch accordingly.

5. Cow Face Pose (Gomukhasana) - Arms Only

Instructions

• Sit comfortably on your mat with a tall spine or in full Cow Face Pose if you’re familiar with the leg position.
• Reach your right arm up and bend it at the elbow, placing your hand on your upper back.
• Bring your left arm behind your back and try to clasp your hands together.
• Hold for 5-10 breaths, then switch sides.

Modifications 

• Your bottom hand can instead gently hold onto the elbow of the top hand.

Precautions

• If you can't clasp your hands together, use a yoga strap to bridge the gap.
• Keep your head and neck neutral and avoid straining or twisting.

General Precautions

Listen to your body: Always practice with mindfulness, and pay attention to any discomfort or pain. If a pose doesn't feel right, back off or try a modification.

Warm-up: To reduce the risk of injury, make sure to warm up your neck and shoulders before diving into the scalene stretches.

Go slow: Move slowly and with control, especially when moving in and out of the poses.

A 20 Minute Scalene Stretch Yoga Sequence

1. Seated Series (warm-up)

Shoulder Rolls - Sit comfortably, roll your shoulders up, back, and down for 5 breaths. Reverse direction.

Neck Stretch - Gently tilt your head to the right, hold for 3 breaths. Repeat on the left.

Side Bend - Place your right hand on the ground, extend your left arm overhead, and bend to the right. Hold for 3 breaths. Switch sides.

2. Tabletop

Place hands under shoulders, knees under hips, and maintain a neutral spine.

3. Cat/Cow

Inhale, arch your back, lift your chest and gaze. Exhale, round your back, tuck your chin and tailbone. Repeat 5 times.

4. Thread the Needle

From tabletop pose, lift your right arm up, exhale and thread it under your left shoulder, resting on your right shoulder. Hold for 5 breaths. Repeat on the left.

5. Surya Namaskara x3 (warm-up)

Stand tall, inhale and reach your arms overhead. Exhale, fold forward. Inhale, halfway lift. Exhale, step back to plank, lower to Chaturanga. Inhale, Upward Facing Dog. Exhale, Downward Facing Dog. Inhale, step forward, halfway lift. Exhale, fold forward. Inhale, rise up and reach overhead. Exhale, release arms. Repeat 3 times.

6. Extended Triangle Pose

Step feet wide, turn your right foot out, reach forward and place your right hand on your shin, ankle, or the floor. Extend your left arm up. Hold for 5 breaths. Switch sides.

7. Eagle Pose

Stand on your left foot, cross your right thigh over your left, and wrap your right foot around your left calf (if accessible). Cross your left arm over your right, bend elbows, and bring palms together. Hold for 5 breaths. Switch sides.

8. Seated Forward Fold

Sit with legs extended, inhale and reach your arms overhead. Exhale, fold forward, reaching for your shins, ankles, or feet. Hold for 5 breaths.

9. Cow Face Pose

Sit with your right knee stacked on top of your left. Raise your left arm, bend your elbow, and reach for your upper back. Bring your right arm behind and try to clasp fingers. Hold for 5 breaths. Switch sides.

10. Supine Twist

Lie on your back, hug your right knee to your chest. Gently guide it across your body to the left. Extend your right arm to the side and turn your head to the right (if your neck is ok with this). Hold for 5 breaths. Switch sides.

11. Savasana

Lie on your back, arms and legs relaxed. Close your eyes and take deep breaths. Rest for 3-5 minutes or as long as you are called to.

The Anatomy of the Scalene Muscles

As yoga practitioners and teachers, it's essential to understand the key players in our neck health – the scalene muscles. Gaining a deeper knowledge of their anatomy will help us target these muscles effectively during our yoga practice. So, let's explore the structure and function of these essential muscles.

Meet the Scalene Muscles

The scalene muscles are a group of three pairs of muscles located on both sides of your neck. They include:

Anterior Scalene - This muscle runs from the cervical vertebrae (neck bones) to the first rib. It's responsible for side bending, neck rotation, and elevation of the first rib during inhalation.

Middle Scalene - This muscle also connects the cervical vertebrae to the first rib but plays a larger role in side bending and neck rotation. It's also involved in elevating the first rib during inhalation.

Posterior Scalene - The posterior scalene extends from the cervical vertebrae to the second rib. It aids in side bending, neck rotation, and elevating the second rib during inhalation.

Why It Matters

Understanding the anatomy of the scalene muscles is crucial for several reasons:

Targeted stretching: Knowing their location and function allows us to stretch these muscles effectively during our yoga practice, leading to better results.

Injury prevention: By focusing on these muscles, we can reduce the risk of neck injuries and strain that might occur during yoga or daily activities.

Breathing enhancement: As the scalene muscles play a role in breathing, maintaining their flexibility can improve our breathing capacity, which is vital for our yoga practice and overall well-being.

With a solid understanding of the scalene muscles' anatomy, we're ready to explore their benefits in more detail and discover how to integrate targeted stretches into our practice. So let's dive into the next section, where we'll discuss the advantages of scalene stretches in your yoga journey!

The Benefits of Scalene Stretches in Your Yoga Practice

Alleviate Neck Tension and Discomfort

One of the most significant benefits of scalene stretches is their ability to relieve tension in the neck. By targeting these muscles, you'll experience less discomfort during your yoga practice and daily activities.

Improve Posture and Spinal Alignment

Regularly stretching the scalene muscles can lead to better posture, as they help support the head and maintain proper spinal alignment. Say goodbye to slouching and hello to standing tall!

Enhance Breathing Capacity

As we've discussed earlier, the scalene muscles play a role in breathing. By keeping them flexible, you'll improve your breathing capacity, which is essential for deepening your yoga practice and overall well-being.

Prevent Neck-Related Injuries

Integrating scalene stretches into your routine can help prevent injuries and strain resulting from tight neck muscles. This is especially important for yoga practitioners and teachers, as a healthy neck is crucial for a safe and effective practice.

Promote Overall Neck Health

Scalene stretches not only target specific issues but also contribute to your neck's overall health. Regular practice ensures your neck muscles stay strong and flexible, supporting a healthy yoga practice and daily life.

With these benefits in mind, it's clear that scalene stretches are a valuable addition to any yoga practice.

Scalene Stretch for Tech Neck

In today's world, we're constantly hunched over our devices, leading to what's commonly known as "tech neck." This forward head posture can cause discomfort, pain, and long-term issues if not addressed. Luckily, scalene stretches can help alleviate and prevent tech neck. So, let's explore how these stretches can keep your neck healthy in our tech-driven world.

Tech Neck and Its Impact

Tech neck, also known as text neck or forward head posture, is a condition caused by consistently looking down at smartphones, tablets, or other devices. This posture can lead to:

• Neck and shoulder pain
• Headaches
• Poor posture
• Spinal misalignment

Scalene Stretches to the Rescue

Integrating scalene stretches into your daily routine can counteract the negative effects of tech neck. Here are some tips for practicing these stretches effectively:

Frequency: To combat tech neck, try practicing scalene stretches every day or at least a few times a week.

Breaks: Take breaks from your devices and use that time to practice a quick scalene stretch to alleviate tension.

Mindfulness: Be aware of your posture throughout the day and adjust as needed. If you notice your head and neck leaning forward, take a moment to stretch.

Simple Scalene Stretch for Tech Neck Relief

Here's a quick and easy scalene stretch you can do throughout the day to relieve tech neck:

• Sit or stand with a tall spine and relaxed shoulders.
• Gently lower your right ear towards your right shoulder, feeling a stretch along the left side of your neck.
• Hold for 5-10 breaths, then slowly return to the center and repeat on the left side.

By integrating scalene stretches into your daily routine, you'll be well on your way to combating tech neck and maintaining a healthy, pain-free neck. Looking for more? I wrote a detailed guide to yoga and Tech Neck. Let's continue to nurture our neck health together, one mindful stretch at a time!

Enhance Your Scalene Stretches With Asivana

Well, dear yogis, it's been a pleasure guiding you through the world of scalene stretches! We've explored the anatomy of the scalene muscles, the benefits of integrating these stretches into your yoga practice, and the importance of proper modifications and precautions. We've also discussed how scalene stretches can help alleviate tech neck and support your journey to unleashing your inner hero.

By integrating these stretches into your routine, you'll be promoting better neck health, improving your posture, and reducing tension. And remember, by choosing sustainable yoga products, you're not only supporting your practice but also our planet.

Take Action Now

Ready to elevate your scalene stretch practice and embrace a sustainable yoga lifestyle that aligns with your journey to embodying your inner hero? Head over to Asivana Yoga Company's shop to explore our range of high-quality sustainable yoga products!

Together, let's continue to nurture our neck health, unleash our inner heroes, and live our best lives—one mindful stretch at a time. Namaste!