And, there it was. The new student that had come into the yoga studio, half listening to my instructions of what to expect for her first class, flippantly signing her waiver and pushing it into my face when completed, was crying.

Coming out of her first Camel Pose, the rigidity, and “it’s me against the world” demeanor had completely dissolved as the tears and sweat mixed together, sliding down her cheeks. 

I knew she was going to feel so much better after this class. That the yoga had softened her and gave me a glimpse into the beautiful person she was when she stopped fighting the world and simply walked through it. 

Have you ever found yourself tearing up or feeling an unexpected rush of emotions during, or after work through a deep backbend? If so, you’re so not alone. I have been there! 

Yoga has a way of helping us connect to emotions we might not even realize we’re holding onto, and backbends, in particular, can stir up some powerful feelings.

The good news? This is completely normal and actually is one of the best parts of having a regular, intensive practice. So, today let’s explore why backbends can bring up emotions and how you can navigate these experiences with kindness towards yourself and curiosity about the emotions that rise to the surface when we bend over backwards. 

Why Do Backbends Bring Up Emotions?

Backbends do so much more than stretch the spine—they open the heart, energize the body, and invite vulnerability. Here’s a closer look at why they can feel so emotionally intense:

 1. They Open the Heart Chakra

If you’re familiar with the chakra system, you might know that the heart chakra (Anahata) is all about love, compassion, and emotional openness. When we physically open the chest in poses like Camel or Wheel, we can unlock emotional energy stored in this area.

 2. They Stretch the Psoas Muscle

The psoas (pronounced “so-az”) is a deep muscle that connects your spine to your legs. It’s often called the “muscle of the soul”  or the “trauma muscle” because of its strong connection to your nervous system and emotions.

When you’re stressed or anxious, the psoas tightens as part of the body’s fight-or-flight response. Over time, this can create a kind of emotional storage in the muscle. Backbends stretch the psoas deeply, and as that tension releases, it’s not uncommon for emotions like fear, sadness, or even relief to bubble up. (This can happen in Splits (Hanumasana) Work, too!)

 3. They Make You Feel Vulnerable

Backbends are the ultimate “heart-on-your-sleeve” poses. They open the front of the body and ask you to actually trust yourself, your strength, and your breath. For many of us, that vulnerability can feel a little overwhelming, especially if there’s unresolved emotional tension lingering under the surface.

 4. They Stir Up Energy in Your Nervous System

Backbends are invigorating and are known to rev your energy—they wake up your sympathetic nervous system, which is the part of you responsible for “fight-or-flight.” While this energy boost can feel uplifting, it can also magnify emotions you’ve been carrying, making them harder to ignore.

How to Work Through Emotional Releases

If emotions catch you off guard during a backbend, it’s okay! Here’s how you can work through them with ease and care:

1. Give Yourself Permission to Feel

First things first: It’s okay to feel. Whether it’s tears, frustration, or even unexpected joy, let yourself experience the emotion without judgment. You’re human, and this is just part of the process.

2. Breathe Through It

Your breath is your best friend when emotions feel overwhelming. Try slowing down your inhales and exhales, and focus on how your breath feels moving through your body. This simple grounding practice can make all the difference.

 3. Ease into the Poses

If a backbend feels physically or emotionally intense, it’s okay to back off a little. Honor where your body, mind, and emotional spirit is today—it’s all part of the journey and over time you will find greater depth. There’s no rush to get anywhere in your practice! There’s just an allowing of opening up to everything it offers you.

 4. Create a Safe Space

Whether you’re practicing at home or in a class, make sure you feel comfortable and supported. If you’re with a teacher, let them know if you’re feeling a little raw—they’re there to guide you, not push you. This is why I think the private sessions incorporated with your membership to my online yoga studio are so important! You will never feel alone in your yoga practice and you have a safe space to talk about your emotions and practice with someone that’s been there.

 5. Journal It Out

I have become a huge fan of journaling over the past three years. After your practice, take a few minutes to reflect on what came up. Writing down your thoughts can help you process emotions and notice patterns over time.

 6. Lean on Your Support System

If the emotions feel heavy or difficult to navigate alone, talk to someone you trust—a friend, a yoga teacher, or even a therapist. Sometimes, these emotional releases are connected to deeper layers that need extra care. And, you deserve to work through them, acknowledge them and realize what they are trying to communicate to you.

The Beauty of Emotional Release in Yoga

While emotional releases in backbends can feel surprising—or even uncomfortable—they are ultimately a gift. These moments offer an opportunity to let go of what no longer serves you and make space for growth and healing. 

By approaching your practice with patience and self-compassion, you can use these experiences to deepen your connection to yourself and your emotions.

Remember, yoga isn’t about performing the “perfect” pose; it’s about exploring and embracing the whole of who you are—mind, body, and spirit.

Have you ever experienced an emotional release during yoga?

Share your story and let me know how backbends have impacted your practice!

Send me a message and let's chat about it. 

Big Hugs, 

Tori G. ♡

P.S. Join me NEXT Saturday, November 23rd for livestream/on-demand workshop on Backbends & Lateral Stretches. You are going to dive into achieving incredible technique that will propel your yoga practice forward into new spaces. Use the promo code: BEND to get early bird pricing if you register before November 20th.  Click here to learn more and register today!