12/22/2025
Fact Check: Forward Folds and Your Nervous System
π¬ New research from 2025: forward folds are more than just a hamstring stretchβthey are a powerful tool to relieve stress and anxiety!
β¨ Pro Tip: Add a bend to your knees to focus on the calming spinal mechanics, as well as to fire up your digestive system and and promote boost!
π§ββοΈ The "Rest and Digest" Boost
Forward-bending poses stimulate the craniosacral region of your spine. Clinical trials show this activation significantly increases your Heart Rate Variability (HRV). This is a scientific way of saying you are teaching your body enter the parasympathetic mode (that "rest and digest" state). How cool to have this skill at your disposal!
πΏ Enhancing Your Vagus Nerve
These poses gently stimulate the vagus nerveβyour body's main stress-response regulatorβas the nerves along your spine are lengthened. It's like a built-in calming mechanism!
π Lowering Cortisol
Studies from this year prove that consistent yoga stretching can actually lower your levels of cortisol (the stress hormone). Hello, chill vibes!
So next time you fold forward, know you're giving your nervous system a deep, research-backed reset π