Photos by Lucid Reflections Photography.

Have you heard of the Dharma Yoga Wheel? This unique, handcrafted prop was invented by the team over at Dharma Yoga in New York City.

The wheel is used to open the entire back and shoulders, align the spine, relax muscles, expand the chest, and stretch the hip flexors and quadriceps.

What I love most about the wheel is that it encourages playfulness. You lay down on it and start playing around, and begin to realize that the possibilities are endless!

You can use the wheel as a tool for relaxing deeper in backbends, increasing mobility in the spine, stabilizing during a balancing pose... truly there are so many applications, and it's awesome that there is no 'right' way; it's more about exploring and seeing what works for you. (How yogic is that?!)

I have always been so inspired by Sri Dharma Mittra and his teachings. When I met him at Wanderlust a few years ago, it was humbling and grounding simply to be in his presence and hear his voice while taking a class.

It's no surprise that the Dharma yogis would contribute such a beautiful and useful tool to the yoga community :)