Great Hip Opener

One thing that I must say about the Bikram yoga program is that although there are quite a few hip openers, it's simply not enough for my tight hips. Some people carry tension in their hips; I, on the other hand, positively wedge every single worry, fear, and stress I've ever had deep into my hip sockets! Postures like Tree & Wind-removing pose feel great, but they end too soon. In addition, I suppose I still haven't figured out precisely what adjustments I should be making or where I really need to hold back a bit, but the series itself, if I practice as often as I like to, (every other day) continues to aggravate my sacrum area & lower back on and off, and I feel this may either result in or be a result of toght hips.

I tend to forget completely about hip openers until I'm writhimg on the floor in pain (well, almost), which is to say I'll do a routine for a while and then just forget about it completely, probably because my body starts to feel good again so sunconsciously I feel like I don't need it anymore.

Anyway, In order for me to get the relief I seek, I have a couple of standby's that really make a difference and provide me enormous relief. I'll start with the most effective hip opener I've ever tried, and then go on from there:

Double Pigeon

This involves bending one leg in front of you at a 90 degree angle, so that your calf is straight & directly in front of your body., and then stacking the other leg on top of it. Hold for 30 seconds to 5 minutes, and then switch which leg is on top. If possible, bend forward and try to drap your upper torso over the legs.

Sometimes this is such a release and a relief for me that I almost cry or at the very least, bizarre moans & cries escape my lips. It's pretty powerful, and very effective. I'd somehow forgotten about this stretch for months, but recently started doing it again a few times a day, and it feels fantastic. My hips feels a lot more open and tension free. It has an effect on the emotional well-being also, which is really important.