Poses for tenseness beneath collarbone, armpits

Yoga Discussion General Yoga
#1

I’ve noticed when I do Cobbler’s Pose I feel tenseness/pulling just beneath my collarbone and in muscles on the outside of my pectorals, just before my armpits. I love Cobbler’s Pose since it targets those areas which I find difficult to stretch otherwise.

However, are there any other poses I could do in order to stretch those areas, as well as muscles in the upper back between the shoulderblades? (these are both problem areas for me.)

I’ve just begun yoga and any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Grace and peace to you!

#2

I can’t speak to exactly what you are getting from Baddha Konasana as I cannot see you doing it and I do not know what actions you are doing.

Mild backbends and breath work (Pranayama) will help free up the areas you ask about - presuming you are not doubling your life efforts to create them-)

Sarpasana, Bhujangasana, Virabhadrasana I, Trikonasana, Setu Bandha, Garudasana, and Gomukhasana can all be helpful. The latter two are best done by beginners using only the arms while sitting in Virasana. Preparatory things moving toward Sarvangasana would also be helpful.

Now obviously that’s a load for a beginner. So for the time being perhaps laying back over a bolster would be both helpful, comfortable, and not too overwhelming.

My short answer though is “go to class and ask your teacher”.

#3

Without being there, I don’t know for sure but it sounds like you are trying too hard. You are probably tensing up in your pose in an attempt to open the hips and get yourself closer to the floor. Ask your teacher about supported hip openers that will allow you to fully relax into a pose while opening the hips. I am assuming that is what you are trying to do.