Dec 5, 20245 min read

Embracing Hip Mobility- Ayurvedic Wisdom Meets Yoga Practice

Welcome back, Happy Army! Let’s talk about hips!

They might not be something you think about often, but your hips are key to feeling good—physically, emotionally, and energetically. Over the years of teaching yoga, one thing has stood out: most people have seriously tight hips. And honestly, it’s not surprising. In today’s go-go-go world, we rarely prioritize what hip mobility represents—creativity, flow, and emotional release. But here’s the great news: you’re not alone, and there are tons of yoga poses that can help loosen things up and get you moving with ease!

According to Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of holistic health, keeping your hips happy and mobile isn’t just about flexibility—it’s about keeping your energy flowing, balancing your doshas (body energies), and feeling your best. In this post, we’ll chat about:

Why hip mobility matters in Ayurveda
7 Yoga poses to unlock happy hips
Resources to expand our yoga knowledge

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If you want to learn more about Hatha yoga and how it can improve your life, check out my post on Unveiling the Ancient Origins of Hatha Yoga, The Benefits of Hatha Yoga, and many other posts on my blog!

Now that we got our foundation down, let's get those hips moving, shall we?

Why Hip Mobility Matters in Ayurveda

In Ayurveda, your hips are linked to your second chakra, known as the Svadhisthana chakra. This energy center is all about creativity, emotions, relationships, and being able to fully accept yourself for who you are! When your hips are open and mobile, energy flows freely through your body, helping you feel more balanced and less stuck—physically and emotionally.

On top of that, the hips are considered the seat of Vata dosha, which governs movement and communication. Tight hips can block that energy flow, leading to discomfort, restlessness, or even emotional turbulence. So, keeping those hips mobile is like giving your body’s energy a green light to move and simply be!

Guys, there is so many more poses that work on hip mobility, and so many variations to each of these poses as well! I highly recommend The Complete Illustrated Book of Yoga by Swami Vishnu-devananda. This book is a must-have for any yoga household (yes, I have this book, too!). It's packed with descriptions and pictures of every yoga pose out there. On top of that, Swami Vishnu-devananda is a well-respected swami and yoga practitioner who played a key role in introducing yoga philosophy to the West, and is a disciple of Swami Sivananda. I became a yoga teacher through at their ashram with their teachings! You’ll find easy-to-understand illustrations, explanations, and plenty of valuable information to enrich your practice. Clink the link to get your very own copy!

7 Yoga Poses to Unlock Happy Hips

Here are some of my favorite yoga poses for loosening up the hips and balancing that all-important Vata energy:

1. Baddha Konasana (Bound Angle Pose)

This pose works magic on your hips, groin, and thighs. It's kinda like the butterfly pose, but the heels are closer together. It’s great for releasing tension and boosting circulation in the pelvic area. Plus, it’s super calming—perfect for balancing Vata energy.

2. Upavistha Konasana (Wide-Angle Seated Forward Bend)

Think of this as a big, loving stretch for your inner thighs and groin. Now, I’ll admit—it might not feel all that loving when you’re in the pose (this one knocks the wind out of me every single time!), but trust me, your body will thank you later. It’s not just about flexibility; it’s a powerful way to release emotional tension and invite some much-needed zen into your day.

3. Eka Pada Rajakapotasana (Pigeon Pose)

Pigeon pose is the deep hip stretch, and it is my favorite yoga pose! It’s intense (in a good way!) and helps release built-up tension while encouraging emotional balance and Svadhisthana chakra activation.

4. Anjaneyasana (Low Lunge Pose)

Got tight hip flexors? This pose has your back. It’s gentle but effective and helps ground excess Vata energy while improving circulation in your hips and pelvis.

5. Virabhadrasana II (Warrior II Pose)

Warrior II isn’t just for strength—it’s a hip-opening powerhouse, and it does wonders for strengthening thighs. This pose helps improve both flexibility and stability, while also making you feel empowered and confident in your own skin!

6. Gomukhasana (Cow Face Pose)

Cow Face Pose is a multitasker: it stretches your hips, shoulders, and chest while releasing pent-up emotions. It’s one of my go-to’s for a deep but calming stretch.

7. Ardha Matsyendrasana (Half Lord of the Fishes Pose)

Twists aren’t just for your spine—they’re great for your hips, too! This pose rotates the hips, stimulates energy flow, and supports digestive health. A win-win-win!

A Little Tip for Going Deeper

Look, you could definitely go on the internet and look up all the different poses, and variations to said poses, all day long, but that would take forever! With The Complete Illustrated Book of Yoga by Swami Vishnu-devananda, all your yoga needs would be found in one place, and you'll know that the contents of this book are authentic and accurate. Getting this book is just the right choice! It’s a treasure trove of yoga wisdom, with everything from cleansing techniques to pose breakdowns. Just remember to check with your doctor, Ayurvedic practitioner, or a yoga teacher (psst… online course coming soon!) before diving in.

Conclusion

When it comes to hip mobility, Ayurveda reminds us it’s not just about flexibility—it’s about energy, emotions, and balance. By weaving hip-opening yoga poses into your routine, you’re not just keeping your body happy; you’re also giving your mind and spirit a little love, too.

So, grab your mat, open those hips, and let the wisdom of Ayurveda guide you toward a more balanced, vibrant you. Your Svadhisthana chakra will thank you!

For anyone who is just starting their yoga journey, I highly recommend starting with Hatha Yoga. Don't know what Hatha Yoga is? Check out my posts Unveiling the Ancient Origins of Hatha Yoga and The Benefits of Hatha Yoga to get more information on the practice, and some resources to get some extra knowledge in!

If sticking to a routine is a challenge for you (been there!), I’ve got you covered. Take a look at my post: How to Stick to Your Yoga Routine. It’s packed with tips to help you stay consistent and make yoga a sustainable part of your life.

While exercising is key, the foods that you eat equally impact your health! Make sure you check out my posts on 10 Energizing Foods for Pitta, 10 Energizing Foods for Vata, and 10 Energizing Foods for Kapha to see what foods are right for you!