Sternocleidomastoid in yoga

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3 yoga poses stretch the sternocleidomastoid, 1 work it and 3 need it to stabilize.

Poses that stretch it (3)

• Fish Pose Matsyasana – The front of the neck lengthens as the head tips back
• Kneeling Pigeon Pose Kapotasana – Lengthened as the head drops back toward the heels
• King Pigeon Pose Eka Pada Rajakapotasana I – Lengthened as the head drops back toward the foot

Poses that work it (contracting) (1)

• Half Boat Pose Ardha Navasana – Holds the head in line with the reclined torso; the hands only support it lightly

Poses where it stabilizes (3)

• Supported Headstand Salamba Sirsasana – Works with the back-of-neck muscles to hold the neck neutral
• Lion Pose Simhasana – Steadies the head and neck as the mouth opens and the tongue stretches out
• Tripod Headstand Salamba Sirsasana II – Works with the back-of-neck muscles to hold the neck neutral

Open the 3D app → · All muscles · All poses

General information, not a substitute for advice from a doctor or teacher. · A free community project by Yoga An Viên center · Model: Z-Anatomy (CC BY-SA 4.0), based on BodyParts3D © DBCLS (CC BY-SA 2.1 JP)

Written and reviewed by Yoga An Viên center · Updated 18/10/2026