Yin Yoga Poses: Cat Pulling Its Tail

We practice this pose often and happily at Hatha Yoga World during the 200 & 300-hour yoga teacher training courses. It’s just a great pose with lots of benefits.

Benefits of this pose:

– Cat pulling Its Tail brings chi or prana to the spleen and stomach (earth element), gallbladder (wood element), urinary bladder, and kidney (water element) meridians.

– The variation shown in the pictures will give your spine a well-appreciated twist which feels pleasant as a counter pose after any deep forward fold or backbend.

– If you want to, and if it’s available, you can grab your feet for a hamstring stretch and quad stretch simultaneously.

PS. Remember, benefits will only be there for us if we listen to our bodies and limits. Never go beyond and never feel pain.

How to practice Cat Pulling Its Tail?

Step one: Lie down on your left side. Bring your right leg out in front of you.

Step two: Wiggle your left shoulder forward and bring both shoulders towards the floor to twist your spine.

Step three: With your right hand, you can reach towards your left foot behind you (you can use a belt or strap if you want).
You can reach your left hand to hold your right foot in front of you for an even deeper stretch.

Notes: Practice the pose on both sides and bring your knees to your chest afterward as a counter pose.

Hold the pose for 2-5 min on each side.

See you on the mat!