Preparations for backbends

Home practice time. I love joyfully playing and experimenting with props and of course this is the Iyengar way! The two poses on the top line are versions of Paryankasana (couch pose). The brick provides a great opportunity to stay in the long hold and gives a very firm opening in the back chest. The bottom two photos I continue the backhanding in preparation for Eka Pada Urdhva Dhanurasana - the bolster version is a less intense version. 

Paryankasana
Supta Padangusthasana 1
Preparation for Eka Pada Urdhva Dhanurasana