Yoga

Purna Gyan Mudra

noreply@blogger.com (Yogesh Managaonkar) — Wed, 18 Sep 2019 07:03:00 +0000

Purna Gyan Mudra, Gyan means Knowledge

Method- Touch the tip of the thumb to the tip of the index finger, with the other three fingers stretched out.

Speciality- As it is a mudra of knowledge, it enhances the knowledge. The tip of thumb has centres of pituitary and endocrine glands. When we press these centres by index finger the two glands work actively.

Time Duration- There is no particular time duration for this Mudra. You can practice by sitting, standing or lying on bed whenever and whenever you have time.

Benefits- Increases memory power and sharpens the brain enhances concentration and prevents Insomnia. If we practice it regularly it will cure all psychological disorders like Mental, Hysteria, Anger and Depression.

WE WILL BACK SOON

noreply@blogger.com (Yogesh Managaonkar) — Mon, 22 Apr 2019 14:41:00 +0000

WILL

BACK

SOON

WITH

NEW

UPDATES.

STAY

TUNED.

Halasana - Plough Pose

noreply@blogger.com (Yogesh Managaonkar) — Wed, 13 Sep 2017 11:36:00 +0000

Halasana - Plough Pose

Plow Pose| Halasana for Spine

Hal = plow, Asana = posture or pose

This yoga pose gets its name from the plow – a popular farming tool commonly used in Indian agriculture to prepare the soil for sowing crops. Like its namesake, this pose prepares the ‘field’ of the body and mind for deep rejuvenation. Halasana is pronounced as hah-LAHS-uh-nuh.

Parsva Halasana is an advanced variation of the Halasana.

How to do Halasana (Plow Pose)

1. Lie on your back with your arms beside you, palms downwards.

2. As you inhale, use your abdominal muscles to lift your feet off the floor, raising your legs vertically at a 90-degree angle.

3. Continue to breathe normally and supporting your hips and back with your hands, lift them off the ground.

4. Allow your legs to sweep in a 180-degree angle over your head till your toes touch the floor. Your back should be perpendicular to the floor. This may be difficult initially, but make an attempt for a few seconds.

5. Hold this pose and let your body relax more and more with each steady breath.

6. After about a minute (a few seconds for beginners) of resting in this pose, you may gently bring your legs down on exhalation.

Tips for Halasana (Plow Pose)

· Do this asana slowly and gently. Ensure that you do not strain your neck or push it into the ground.

· Support your back on the tops of your shoulders, lifting your shoulders a little towards your ears.

· Avoid jerking your body, while bringing the legs down.

Suggested preparatory asanas/poses before Halasana

· Poorva Halasana or the preliminary plow pose is a preparatory asana before you practice full Halasana pose. It is relatively easy to perform.

· Shoulder Stand (Sarvangasana) is usually done before the Plow Pose (Halasana) in the Padma Sadhanasequence. To do Sarvangasana, when you lift your legs and hips off the floor, instead of taking your legs 180 degrees over your head, stretch them upwards in the air, so that you come up high on your shoulders, supporting you back with your hands. Halasana goes hand-in-hand with Sarvangasana.

· Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana) is another asana that can be done before Halasana.

Suggested follow-up asanas/poses after Halasana

· Halasana could be followed by the Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana).

· It can also be followed by gently rocking the body in Wind-Relieving Pose (Pavanamuktasana).

5-Benefits of the Halasana (Plow Pose)

1. Strengthens and opens up the neck, shoulders, abs and back muscles.

2. Calms the nervous system, reduces stress and fatigue.

3. Tones the legs and improves leg flexibility.

4. Stimulates the thyroid gland and strengthens the immune system.

5. Helps women during menopause.

Halasana Contraindications (Plow Pose)

· Avoid practicing Plow Pose (Halasana) if you have injured your neck or are suffering from diarrhea and high blood pressure.

· Ladies should avoid practicing Plow Pose (Halasana) during pregnancy and during the first two days of their menstrual cycle.

· Consult a doctor before practicing Plow Pose (Halasana) if you have suffered from chronic diseases or spinal disorders in the recent past

Gomukhasana - Cow-Face Pose

noreply@blogger.com (Yogesh Managaonkar) — Wed, 13 Sep 2017 09:31:00 +0000

What is Gomukhasana (Cow Face Pose)?

The term Gomukhasana is a combination of the words ‘go’ (the Sanskrit word for cow), ‘Mukha’ (meaning face), and asana (meaning posture). The name is derived from the appearance of the posture – when you assume this pose, the thighs and calves are positioned so that they are wide at one end and taper at the other, thus resembling the shape of a cow’s face. Gomukhasana is a simple yoga posture and yet it can be one of the toughest yoga poses for beginners as it requires a considerable amount of flexibility. Gomukhasana increases the flexibility of the limbs which is why it is one of the most commonly recommended yoga postures for people with arthritis and joint problems. Basic yoga poses such as Gomukhasana are ideal yoga exercises for beginners, especially seniors as these yoga postures help to tone the muscles and ease muscle and joint aches.

How To Do Gomukhasana (Cow Face Pose)?

Just as you would warm up before you start an exercise routine, you should do a few preparatory poses before you start your yoga routine. Make sure that you are comfortable with a few Gomukhasana prep poses such as Supta Baddha Konasana, Upavistha Konasana, and Supta Padangusthasana before you learn how to do Cow Face pose. These prep poses for Gomukhasana will help to gently stretch your arm and leg muscles which will ensure that you don’t get a muscle pull while doing this pose. Below is the step wise guide on how to do Cow Face Pose:

Steps To Perform Gomukhasana

Step 1: Sit on the floor with your legs together and extended in front of your torso. Then bend your knees and put your feet on the floor.

Step 2: Slide your left foot under your right knee to the outside of your right hip. Then cross your right leg over the left, stacking the right knee on top of the left, and bring your right foot to the outside of your left hip.

Step 3: Try to keep your heels equidistant from your hips: with the right leg on top you’ll have to tug your right heel in closer to your left hip. You should be siting flat on the surface of the floor with your weight spread evenly on your buttocks. Ensure that your torso is straight and not tilted.

Step 4: Inhale and stretch your right arm straight out to the right while keeping it parallel to the floor.

Step 5: Rotate your arm inwardly; your thumb will turn first toward the floor, and then point toward the wall behind you, with the palm facing the ceiling. This movement will roll your right shoulder slightly up and forward.

Step 6: With a full exhalation, sweep your arm behind your torso and tuck your forearm in the hollow of your lower back, parallel to your waist, with your right elbow against the right side of your tor

Step 7: Roll your shoulder back and down, then work your forearm up your back until it is parallel to your spine. The back of your hand will be between your shoulder blades. See that your right elbow doesn’t slip away from the right side of your torso.

Step 8: Now inhale and stretch your left arm forward, pointing toward the opposite wall and parallel to the floor.

Step 9: Turn your palm up and, with another inhalation, stretch your arm straight up toward the ceiling with your palm turned back.

Step 10: Lift actively through your left arm, then with an exhalation, bend your elbow and reach down for your right hand. If possible, hook your right and left fingers.

Step 11: Lift your left elbow toward the ceiling and lower your right elbow towards the floor.

Step 12: Keep your trunk erect and your shoulders straightened. Try to keep your left arm right beside the left side of your head.

Step 13: Stay in this pose and focus on your breathing for approximately 1 minute.

Follow these Gomukhasana steps carefully and do not make any changes to them. It is important to follow the Gomukhasana sequence of steps as doing them incorrectly can cause a muscle pull.

Visual Representation Of How To Perform The Cow Face Pose

STEP 1

STEP 2

How to Release from Gomukhasana?

To release from Gomukhasana, unclasp your fingers and bring your hands down to your sides and uncross your legs. Repeat this asana once again with your arms and legs reversed (with your left knee on top and your right elbow pointing up. Release from the asana once again and sit in a comfortable cross-legged posture for a few minutes.

When moving from Gomukhasana to any other pose, make sure that your movements are slow and smooth. Instead of transitioning from one static pose directly to the next, you can include 10 seconds of mindful breathing in between the poses. This will help you focus and be aware of every movement you make.

Poses That Are Similar To The Cow Face Pose

Gomukhasana helps to relieve and prevent back pain as it strengthens these muscles. There are several other similar poses that you can include in your daily yoga routine to increase the effectiveness of this yoga pose. Yoga poses such as Baddha Konasana (Butterfly pose), Supta Virasana (Reclined Hero Pose pose), Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog Pose), and Virabhadrasana III (Warrior III) are complimentary poses for Gomukhasana as they will also help to strengthen your back, arm, and shoulder muscles.

Benefits Of Gomukhasana

1. Helps to stretch and strengthen the muscles of the ankles, hips and thighs, shoulders, triceps, inner armpits and chest

2. Regular practice of this asana aids in the treatment of sciatica

3. It enhances the workings of the kidneys by stimulating it, thus helping those suffering from diabetes

4. Practicing this asana regularly can reduce stress and anxiety

The practice of yoga is meant to strengthen both the physical and mental health of the individual. Practicing yoga on a regular basis will increase muscle mass and promote flexibility; it will also help to calm the mind and is a good way to de-stress. Yoga for strengthening back muscles (especially the upper back and shoulder) has become very popular as most people spend a lot of their day sitting in an office chair and suffer from this type of back pain. This yoga pose can also help children who face similar back aches as they have to carry heavy school bags.

Contraindications Of Gomukhasana

While the benefits and importance of Gomukhasana (Cow Face Pose) are immense, there are certain circumstances when you should avoid this pose. Individuals suffering from shoulder, knee or back pain should avoid practicing this asana. Avoid practicing Gomukhasana & it’s variations if you are suffering from any kind of knee injury/problem.

The Cow Face pose for beginners might include a short belt or scarf that can be used in case you are not flexible enough to get your fingers to meet behind your back while doing this pose. Although the benefits of Gomukhasana(Cow Face Pose) are many, it’s essential to take a note of above problems before starting off, as nothing is worse for a yoga beginner, as breaking a bone or pulling a muscle with the first asana, itself.

Tips For Gomukhasana (Cow Face Pose)

If you find it difficult to sit with your bones resting evenly on the floor and your knees stacking on top of each other evenly, use a blanket/bolster to lift the sitting bones off the floor and support them evenly

Dhanurasana - Bow Pose

noreply@blogger.com (Yogesh Managaonkar) — Wed, 13 Sep 2017 09:29:00 +0000

How to do Bow Pose Yoga

How to perform Dhanurasana is a very simple procedure. The different techniques and steps of doing the Bow pose are being given below:

Steps for Dhanurasana

First of all lie down in prone position
Exhale, bend your knees and hold the ankles with hands
While inhaling raise the thighs, head and chest as high as possible
Try to maintain weight of the body on lower abdomen. Join the ankles. Look upward and breathe normally.
While exhaling, bring down the head and legs up to knee joint. Maintain this position as long as you can hold and slowly come back to the original position.

Health benefits of Bow pose

Bow pose is one of the few Yoga poses, which comprising the benefits of two different asanas i.e. Bhujangasna and Shalabhasana. The following important advantages of Dhanurasana are as follows:

Bow pose for weight loss: Dhanurasana give maximum stretch on the abdomen and abdominal sides. Regular practice of this asana helps to shed and burn fat of the above said regions of the body. It also provides overall toned shaped to the entire body.
Good for lethargy: Bow pose is very useful for overcoming lethargy. It works directly on the solar plexus at the navel region, which is a large sympathetic nervous centre. These nerves facilitate better efficiency, which in turn leads to improved functioning of vital organs such as digestive, eliminative and reproductive.
Massage Liver: It ensures proper functioning of entire abdominal organs. It massages the liver, which in turn aids digestion.
Treats diabetes: The pancreas gets appropriate toning by performing Dhanurasana. It stimulates further secretion of the correct amount of glucagon and insulin that helps in balancing of sugar in the blood. Both the diabetes Type 1 and Type 2 will be benefited by practicing this important yoga posture.
Blood cleansing: Since, it helps to flush blood to the entire body as well as various organs. Therefore, to a greater extent, it works as cleansing process.
Kidney health: By performing bow pose, the kidneys works more efficiently, which leads to better fluid balance in the body?
Strengthens spinal columns: Dhanurasana refreshes and rejuvenates the spinal column. It relieves stiffness and the spine is made more supple and healthy because the ligaments, muscles and nerves are given a good stretch. This asana brings back elasticity to the spines and toned the abdominal organs.
Good for heart: It massages the heart. This is done by the diaphragm, which is pushed towards the heart by the extra pressure in the abdomen.
Cures asthma: It is one of the best yoga poses for removing the hunching tendency of asthmatics, which aggravates ill health. Dhanurasana realigns the back thereby improves the breathing processes. This in turn leads to free flow of air through the nasal passages.
Massage thyroid and adrenal glands: The secretion of the adrenal glands is regularized. Blood is flushed through the glands. It is this effects that quickly removes tiredness, for cortisone secreted to give you the required lift or if you are overactive, the secretion of cortisone is reduced so that the body attains balance.
Cures back pain: The ligaments, muscles and nerves in the back are given good stretch and the spinal column is rejuvenated. It is beneficial for treating back pain.
Treats slipped discs: The persons who are experiencing slipped discs have obtained relief from the regular practice of Dhanurasana and Shalabhasana.
Strengthens shoulders: Bow pose strengthens your shoulders, arms, neck, abdomen, back, thighs & hamstring muscles.
Locate navel: It sets the dislocated navel right, which could be the cause of pain in the stomach, legs or even loose motions or constipation.
Sexual arousal: It helps to invigorates sexual vigor of the person.

Bow Pose tips

While performing the Bow pose, try to use the leg muscles only and let the back be passively bent backwards. With regular practice, it will become easier.

Make sure that your hands clasp around the region of the ankles, not the feet.
Keep the feet together so that the big toes remain in contact throughout the entire practice.
Resting the weight of the body on the ribs instead of the soft part of the abdomen in the final pose. Adjust the balance of your body so that the belly lies in contact with the floor.
Bending the arms. Keep the arms straight throughout the entire practice.

Bow pose precautions

People who suffer heart problems should avoid it.
Patient with high blood pressure should skip it.
A person suffering from hernia, peptic or duodenal ulcer, appendicitis, colitis and other abdominal ailments should not do this asana.
People suffering from hernia, peptic ulcer or duodenal ulcer, appendicitis, colitis, high blood pressure should consult a Yoga expert before practicing this asana.
Don’t practices Bow pose just after meal? There should be a gap of at least 3 hours.
It is recommended not to do Dhanurasna immediately before going to bed at night as this Asana stimulates the adrenal glands and the sympathetic nervous centre in the navel, which may leads to sleep problems.
Pull your chest and thighs equally up & do not bend your elbows.
Keep the width of your knees strictly according to the width of your shoulders.
Persons with sway back or severe backache / sciatica must consult a good Yogi before attempting this pose.

Bow pose variations

Parsva Dhanurasana

Parsva means sideways where one performs the posture lying on one side.

Technique

First perform dhanurasana
Now, exhale, roll over to the right side and stretched the legs and chest.
Inhale come to the original bow pose and then exhale roll over to the left.
Stay on either side with same duration of time

Advantages

It massages the abdominal organs by pressing them against the floor.

Bow pose sequence

Dhanurasana is ideally practiced after Bhujangasna and Shalabhasana respectively. It should be followed by forward bending asana as a counterpoise.

Breathing in Bow Pose

Initially, one has to exhale. Now inhale deeply while raising your body up. During maintaining the pose, continue slow inhaling and exhaling. While, coming to the starting position, one has to take exhale deeply.

Dandasana - Stick Pose

noreply@blogger.com (Yogesh Managaonkar) — Wed, 13 Sep 2017 09:26:00 +0000

(Dan-das-ana)
Type of Pose: Seated
Dandasana is the starting point for all the seated forward bends and twists. It helps improve sitting posture. It is an isometric, whole body exercise without movement.

DANDASANA POSE BENEFITS

•Improves digestion, tones kidneys;
•Helps prevent sciatic pain;
•Stretches and activates the muscles of the legs.
•Strengthens the back.
•Prevents tiredness in the feet by stretching the muscles of the feet;

CONTRAINDICATIONS/CAUTIONS

Practice against a wall if you have asthma, bronchitis, breathlessness, ulcers or bulimia.

STEP BY STEP

1. Sitting on the mat with the spine erect, legs straight out in front. Pull the flesh away from your sitting bones so that you are able to feel your sit bones on the ground. Your hands are on the ground beside your hips, fingers pointing forward, palms pressing down lightly. Recheck your shoulders to make sure you are not pressing too hard. Don’t lock out your elbows. If the arms are not long enough for the heel of the hands to reach the floor, place as much of the hand on the ground as possible. Otherwise use a block.

2. Draw the legs together. Engage the leg muscles, with the thigh muscles rotating inward, kneecaps facing directly up. Lengthen the calf muscles. Press the backs of the knees into the floor. Your legs should be long and straight. Be firm without being forceful.

3. There are a few variations of what to do with the feet: Your feet should be vertical, the center of your heels resting on the ground. They are flexed and parallel to each other, with the balls pressing away from you. Spread your toes – fan them out. Alternately, the feet are relaxed (ie. not flexed) but feeling extension through the top of the foot and into the toes. Or, flexing the foot, press through the heel – with the intention of engaging the legs enough that the heel comes off the floor.

4. The back should be working toward being perpendicular to the floor with out slumping or arching the back. The chest is opening while still maintaining length through the back with the tailbone drawing downward. The abdomen is slightly engaged.

5. The chin should be parallel with the floor. Shoulders and neck should be relaxed. Shoulder blades drop down the back and are coming toward each other. Gaze straight ahead.

6. Sit tall, as if there is a string pulling you up from the crown of your head. Your legs should feel energized, your torso light.

7. Breathe. Hold this pose for any length of time. If this posture is done correctly, after 5 minutes you can break a sweat.

Beginner’s Tips: If the student’s back is rounded and/or hip flexibility is poor, or if there is any discomfort in the back or the backs of the legs, have them sit on a block or folded blanket. Give more or less height depending on their flexibility. This allows them to have a more erect spine and to sit up straighter. It also releases tension from the hamstrings and hip flexors.

Chakrasana - Wheel Pose

noreply@blogger.com (Yogesh Managaonkar) — Wed, 13 Sep 2017 09:24:00 +0000

Chakrasana or the wheel pose is a backward bending yoga asana. Chakra in sanskrit means Wheel and Asana means a pose. In Chakrasana, the final position looks like a wheel, hence the name. Chakrasana gives great flexibility to the spine.

How to do Chakrasana (Wheel Pose)?

Lie down on your back with hands on the side.
Bend your knees and bring your heels as close to the buttocks as possible. The heels should be about 1 foot apart.
Now raise your hands and bring it back next to the ears. Place the palms on the floor with the fingers pointing towards the shoulders.
Lift your body up with the support of the palms and the feet.
Rotate the head slightly, so that your gaze is towards the floor.
Stretch your thighs and shoulders. In the final position your body looks like an arch, almost like a wheel.
Maintain this position, according to your capacity.
To release the position, lower your body till it touches the ground. Straighten your legs. Hands can go back to the original position to the sides.
Chakrasana should be followed by forward bending poses to counteract the pressure created by the back bend.
Chakrasana should be avoided by those suffering from cardiac ailments, high blood pressure, vertigo and those who have undergone recent surgeries.

Benefits of Chakrasana (Wheel Pose)

Chakrasana strengthens the back and abdominal muscles.
It tones the organs in the abdomen including the digestive, excretory and reproductive organs.
Chakrasana strengthens arms, shoulders, wrists, abdomen and spine.
It expands the chest and lungs.
It stimulates the thyroid gland.
Chakrasana is excellent for those suffering from back pain.
It tones the liver, pancreas and kidneys.

Bhujangasana - Cobra Pose

noreply@blogger.com (Yogesh Managaonkar) — Wed, 13 Sep 2017 09:18:00 +0000

The Cobra pose or Bhujangasana is a basic Hatha yoga pose, and as such, is very often practiced either on its own, or as part of the Sun Salutations.

Bhujanga means snake in Sanskrit, and in this pose we imitate a snake lifting its head while working the shoulders, upper back and spine. The Bhujangasana is also believed to be a great aid for the digestive fire, helping to purify the body.

Benefits of Bhujangasana

If you are suffering from rounded shoulders or stiff upper back and neck, Cobra pose can help relieve your upper body stiffness. The pose strengthens the entire shoulder area and upper back. It also creates more flexibility into the lower back, massages the digestive organs and relieves menstrual pain.

This pose not only opens the physical body, but also provides a gentle opening for the heart as well. We open up our chest, become a bit more vulnerable, and practice being open in the world.

Bhujangasana Step-by-Step

To start the pose, lie on your stomach and place your forehead on the floor.
You can have your feet together, or hip width apart.
Keep the tops of your feet pressing against the floor.
Place your hands underneath your shoulders, keeping your elbows close to your body.
Draw your shoulder blades back and down, and try to maintain this throughout the pose.
Draw your pubic bone towards the floor to stabilize your lower back, and press your feet actively onto the floor.
With the next inhale, start lifting your head and chest off the floor. Be mindful of opening the chest, and don’t place all of your weight onto your hands. Keep the elbows lightly bent and keep the back muscles working. Take your hands off from the floor for a moment to see what is a comfortable, maintainable height for you.
Keep your shoulders relaxed.
With exhale lower yourself back onto the ground.
Take 2-3 rounds of inhaling yourself up into the cobra, and exhaling down to the floor. Then hold for 2-3 full breaths, and come back down. Rest on the floor for a few breaths, or enjoy Child’s pose as a gentle counter pose.

Variations and Modifications

Before coming up to the pose, take your focus onto your third eye, the space between your eyebrows. This will make you look cross-eyed and silly, but don’t let that stop you. From there, start lifting your head and upper back, and roll yourself up to the Cobra pose, keeping the spine and neck long.

Following your third eye often allows you to come higher and into a naturally deeper back bend. On your way back down, take your gaze onto the tip of your nose and follow it all the way down to the floor.

Avoid the Cobra pose if you are pregnant or have undergone abdominal surgery. Keep your lower back relaxed, and avoid the temptation to go for the height before your body is ready. Keep your gaze forward or on the floor if your neck feels strained.
To ease the wrists, you can stay on your elbows, (Sphinx pose from Yin yoga) and elevate the elbows with a block if you would like to get a deeper back bend.

Bhadrasana - The Locked Lotus Pose - Benefits

noreply@blogger.com (Yogesh Managaonkar) — Wed, 13 Sep 2017 09:10:00 +0000

Bhadrasana

1 Asana practiced in the sitting pose

Bhadrasana – (The Locked Lotus Pose)

"Bhadra" means 'beneficial' in Sanskrit.

Sequence:

1.Sit erect in Sukhasana.

2.Stretch the legs forward and keep them together.

3.Pull the legs inward and bring the feet towards the body, bending the knees outward.

4.Join the soles and keep the heels and toes together.

5.Form a finger lock and clasp your fingers around the toes and the forepart of the feet.

6.Keep the trunk and head erect.

7.Bending your elbows outward, draw in the feet little by little until the heels are in front of the genitals. While doing this, widen the thighs and allow the knees to bend gently downward.

8.Lower the knees gently until they touch the floor.

9.Draw in the heels further and fix them on either side of the perineum.

10.Sit erect.

11.Release the finger lock, stretch forward the legs and resume the starting position.

Benefits:

· Bhadrasana strengthens the muscles of the groin and the pelvis.

· The weight of the flexed knees stretches and tones up the adductor muscles running along the inner thighs.

· It has a beneficial effect on the muscles and ligaments of the uro-genital region, promoting in it a supply of fresh blood.

· It restores elasticity to stiff knees, hips and ankle-joints.

· It relieves tension in the sacral and coccyx geol. regions of the spine.

·It keeps the kidneys, the prostrate, and the urinary bladder healthy.

Bhadrasana - The Beneficial Pose

noreply@blogger.com (Yogesh Managaonkar) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 06:11:00 +0000

'Bhadra' means 'beneficial' in Sanskrit.

Bhadrasana Standing

Sequence:

1. Sit erect in Sukhasana.
2. Stretch the legs forward and keep them together.
3. Pull the legs inward and bring the feet towards the body, bending the knees outward.
4. Join the soles and keep the heels and toes together.
5. Form a fingerlock and clasp your fingers around the toes and the forepart of the feet.
6. Keep the trunk and head erect.
7. Bending your elbows outward, draw in the feet little by little until the heels are in front of the genitals. While doing this, widen the thighs and allow the knees to bend gently downward.
8. Lower the knees gently until they touch the floor.
9. Draw in the heels further and fix them on either side of the perineum.
10. Sit erect.
11. Release the fingerlock, stretch forward the legs and resume the starting position.

Benefits:

* Bhadrasana strengthens the muscles of the groin and the pelvis.
* The weight of the flexed knees stretches and tones up the adductor muscles running along the inner thighs.
* It has a beneficial effect on the muscles and ligaments of the uro-genital region, promoting in it a supply of fresh blood.
* It restores elasticity to stiff knees, hips and ankle-joints.
* It relieves tension in the sacral and coccygeal regions of the spine.
* It keeps the kidneys, the prostrate, and the urinary bladder healthy.

Baddha Padmasana - The Locked Lotus Pose

noreply@blogger.com (Yogesh Managaonkar) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 06:03:00 +0000

"Baddha" means "bound' or "locked-up" in Sanskrit. The limbs of the body (both arms and legs) are firmly 'locked-up' and immobilized in this posture so as to give it steadiness. In this posture, the big toes are grasped by the fingers with arms crossed from behind.
Baddha Padmasana

Sequence:

1. Assume the Padmasana posture, placing the feet high on the thighs, close towards the groin.
2. Extend your right arm behind your back and reach round until your right band is near the left hip.
3. Lean forward a little.
4. Twisting the trunk to the right, catch hold of the right big toe, resting on the left thigh firmly with the forefinger and the middle finger.
5. Sit erect and hold the position for a few seconds.
6. Similarly, extend your left arm behind your back and crossing the right forearm, reach round until your left hand is near the right hip.
7. Lean forward a little.
8. Twisting the trunk to the left and bringing the shoulder blades together, catch hold of the left big toe resting on the right thigh firmly with the forefinger and the middle finger.
9. Sit erect and hold the position for a few seconds.
10. The arms and legs are now firmly locked-up.
11. Keep the spine, neck and head erect.
12. Draw in the abdomen.
13. Both knees must press the ground.
14. Look straight ahead.
15. Breathe normally.
16. This is the final position.
17. Maintain this posture motionless for about ten seconds or as long as you are comfortable.
18. Release the hands and unlock the foot lock.
19. Stretch out the legs again and assume the normal sitting position.
20. Practice the same, alternating the legs.

Caution:

* Practice this asana only after mastering Padmasana as it demands a high degree of skill.
* Grasp the right big toe with the fingers of the right hand and the left with the fingers of the left hand.
* Pregnant women must not practise this asana.

Benefits:

* The benefits of Padmasana also accrue from Baddha Padmasana and bring greater flexibility to the legs.
* The stubborn joints of the shoulders, elbows, wrists, lower back, hips, knees, ankles and toes arc well stretched and become more supple.
* Pain in the shoulders and back is alleviated.
* It improves the posture by rectifying any unnatural curvature of the spine.
* The asana increases the range of the shoulder movements.

Baddha Konasana

noreply@blogger.com (Yogesh Managaonkar) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 06:02:00 +0000

"Baddha" means "locked-up" and "kona" means "angle" in Sanskrit.

Baddha Konasana

Sequence:

1. Assume the Bhadrasana posture, holding with your clasped hands the forepart of your feet which are placed firmly on the floor on their outer edges.
2. Keep the back straight and look straight ahead.
3. Bend forward and place the elbows on the thighs and press them down gently.
4. Inhale deeply and exhale slowly. While exhaling, draw in your abdomen and bend your pelvis and trunk forward from your posterior bones slowly without jerks, at the same time lowering your elbows outside the shin.
5. When you have bent forward as much as you can, place your forehead gently on the floor in front of your feet without raising your seat and rest your forearms and elbows on the floor.
6. Keep the elbows in a line. This is the final position.
7. Maintain this position motionlessly for about five seconds or as long as you can comfortably hold out your breath.
8. Breathe normally if you can increase the duration of the posture.
9. Inhale slowly and while inhaling, release the feet, straighten the arms, stretch out the legs.
10. Raise the trunk and head together and resume the erect sitting position slowly.
11. Take only two turns as this is a strenuous posture.
12. After completing the practice, relax for a few minutes in Savasana

Benefits:

* Baddha Konasana keeps the spine and the hip-joints supple.
* It removes tension in the back and thighs and relieves pain in the hip-joints.
* It tones up the organs in the abdomen and pelvis.
* It reduces excess fat in the thighs.

Ardha Shalabhasana - The Half-Locust Pose

noreply@blogger.com (Yogesh Managaonkar) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 06:00:00 +0000

"Shalabha" means "locust" in Sanskrit. The final position of this asana resembles a locust when it lowers its head to eat and raises its tail. Hence, the name. 'Ardha' means 'half' in Sanskrit.
Half-Locust Pose

Sequence:

1. Lie flat on your abdomen and chest with the face downwards.
2. Keep the hips close to the floor and the legs straight and close to each other.
3. Keep your arms stretched back on the sides.
4. Raise your head a little and place your chin on the floor.
5. Clench your fingers into fists and place them on the floor facing upwards.
6. Inhale and hold your breath.
7. Pressing the fists down, raise backward your left leg as far up as you can, keeping the leg straight and outstretched.
8. Hold the breath and maintain the position for about five seconds.
9. Exhaling slowly, press the fists down and lower the leg without bending the knee.
10. Repeat with the right leg.

Caution:

* Do not clench your fist too tight or too loose.
* Persons with hernia, weak lungs and cardiac complaints should not practice the asana.
* Pregnant women should also not practice this asana.

Benefits:

* It improves blood circulation.
* It dissolves excess fat from the thighs, hips, waist, abdomen and the posterior.
* Diabetic patient may practice this asana to control the disease.
* It relieves constipation and improves digestion.
* This yoga pose benefits women through its effect on the ovaries and uterus, helping to correct disorders of these organs.

Ardha Padmasana - The Half-Lotus Pose

noreply@blogger.com (Yogesh Managaonkar) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 05:58:00 +0000

"Ardha" means "half" and "Padma" means "lotus" in Sanskrit. Those who are unable to assume the full Padmasana posture using both legs as described above owing to the stiffness of their legs or bulky thighs may begin practicing with one leg at a time alternately until they are able to develop the full posture. With the practice of this asana daily, they will be able to take that posture for a long time without discomfort and switch on to the full Padmasana posture after sufficient practice.
Ardha Padmasana

Sequence:

1. Sit erect on the carpet in Sukhasana
2. Stretch out the legs fully in front of you and keep the heels a little apart.
3. Fold the right leg slightly at the knee-joint. Take hold of the right ankle with the right hand and the right big toe with the left hand. Bending the right knee towards the floor, bring the foot up slowly towards your body and set it firmly at the root of the left thigh with the sole turned upwards and without changing the position of the extended left leg. The heel should lightly press the left side of the lower abdomen and the back portion of the foot should rest on the left thigh.
4. Press down the bent right knee gently with your palm so that it remains touching the ground.
5. Fold the left leg slightly at the knee-joint.
6. Take hold of the left ankle with the left hand and the left big toe with the right hand.
7. Bending the left knee outwards towards the floor, slide the outer edge of the foot along the floor and draw it gently towards the right calf.
8. Slightly raise the right thigh and place the left foot beneath the right thigh in a comfortable position with its sole turned upward.
9. The back portion of the left foot should lie straight along the floor.

10. The left knee should also touch the floor closely.
11. Place the right palm on the right knee and the left palm on the left knee with fingers close together.
12. Remain motionless and relaxed in this position as long as you feel comfortable.
13. Stretch out your legs and return to the starting position of Sukhasana slowly and without any jerks.
14. Stretch out your left leg first and then your right.
15. Repeat changing the position of the legs.

Benefits:

* Performing the Ardha Padmasana makes it easier to do the more difficult Full Padmasana as it makes the hip-joints, knees and ankles more flexible.
* You may sit in this position as long as you wish and even make it a regular sitting posture.
* It is also suitable for meditation.

Ardha Matsyendrasana - The Half-Spinal Twist Pose

noreply@blogger.com (Yogesh Managaonkar) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 05:55:00 +0000

"Ardha" means "half" in Sanskrit. Since the full posture is difficult to be practiced, the half-posture, which is easier, is followed widely. This posture was first promoted by the great Yogi Matsyendranath, one of the founders of Hatha Yoga, and hence the name.
Ardha Matsyendrasana

Sequence:

1. Sit erect.
2. Stretch out your legs.
3. Place the right heel in the perineum. Keep the right thigh straight.
4. Place the left foot flat on the floor, crossing the right knee.
5. The left heel should rest close to the right side of the right knee.
6. Pass the right arm over the left side of the left knee and line it up with the left calf.
7. Grasp the left big toe with the index finger, middle finger and thumb of the right hand.
8. Slide the left hand across the small of the back and grasp the root of the right thigh.
9. Turn round your head, neck, shoulders and the whole trunk to the left and bring the chin in line with the left shoulder.
10. Look as far behind you as you can. Keep the head and spine erect.
11. Maintain this position until strain is felt.
12. Release in the reverse order.
13. Repeat on the other side.

Benefits:

* Ardha Matsyendrasana is considered to be the best of the twisting postures as it rotates the spine around its own axis besides giving two side-twists to the spine throughout its length with the greatest efficacy, using one's own arm and knee as a lever.

* As the spine is twisted spirally, each movable vertebra rotates in its socket, as a result of which the spinal column, particularly the lumbar vertebrae, becomes more flexible.

Ardha Halasana - The Half-Plough Pose

noreply@blogger.com (Yogesh Managaonkar) — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 17:24:00 +0000

"Ardha" means 'half' and 'Hala' means 'plough' in.

Ardha Halasana

Sequence:

1. Lie flat on your back.
2. Stretch your legs at full length.
3. Keep the heels and the big toes together.
4. Stretch your arms on the respective sides with palms turned down.
5. Inhaling, press the palms down and raise first one leg slowly as high as possible without bending the knee, keeping the other leg flat on the floor.
6. Hold the leg straight up until you complete the inhalation.
7. Exhaling, bring the leg down slowly.
8. Repeat the process with the other leg also.
9. Take three turns, alternating the legs.
10. Inhaling, press the palms down and, without bending the knees or raising the hands, raise the legs together slowly till they make an angle of 30 degrees to the ground, then 60 degrees, and, finally, bring them perpendicular at 90 degrees to the ground.
11. Complete the inhalation.
12. Fix your gaze on the big toes.
13. Remain in this position as long as you can hold your breath comfortably.
14. Exhaling, press the palms down again, and without bending the knees, bring down your legs together slowly, pausing for five seconds each as they reach 60 degrees and 30 degrees to the ground.
15. Execute three turns, raising both legs together.

Caution:

* Practice this asana on an empty stomach.
* Keep your back as close to the floor as possible.
* The legs should not shake while performing the asana.
* Women should not practice this asana during menstruation and after the third month of pregnancy.

Benefits:

* Ardha Halasana builds up the elasticity of the muscle in the abdominal area.
* It prevents the prolapse of the abdominal organs, such as the uterus in women and the rectum in men.
* It has a curative effect on menstrual disorders.
* It helps to rid the stomach and intestines of gas and eliminate constipation.
* It prevents hernia.
* Persons who have varicose veins can practice this posture several times a day to get relief.
* You may perform this asana in bed also before rising in the morning if you are plagued by constipation.

Anantasana

noreply@blogger.com (Yogesh Managaonkar) — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 17:22:00 +0000

This is a pose named after the sleeping position of Lord Vishnu.
Anantasana

Sequence:

1. Lie down on the back with legs together, straight extended, the toes erect and hands straight and palms resting on the floor to acquire the supine pose.

2. Turn on left side, and place the elbow of the left hand on ground with left palm supporting your head as shown in figure.
3. Keep right hand near your chest on ground, continue normal breathing.
4. Bend right leg at the knee and place the toe on left thigh.
5. Keep right knee steady pointing towards roof, hold index finger of the right leg by right hand.
6. Continue normal breathing.
7. Repeat this for right side with left leg on right thigh.
8. While releasing the pose, slowly bring hands to the normal position and take supine position.

Benefits:

* Practicing of the pose improves balancing capabilities.
* It also stretches the hamstrings and calves, improving blood circulation and also cures any muscle pull.

Anantasana - Yoga Pose

noreply@blogger.com (Yogesh Managaonkar) — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 17:22:00 +0000

This is a pose named after the sleeping position of Lord Vishnu.
Anantasana

Sequence:

1. Lie down on the back with legs together, straight extended, the toes erect and hands straight and palms resting on the floor to acquire the supine pose.

2. Turn on left side, and place the elbow of the left hand on ground with left palm supporting your head as shown in figure.
3. Keep right hand near your chest on ground, continue normal breathing.
4. Bend right leg at the knee and place the toe on left thigh.
5. Keep right knee steady pointing towards roof, hold index finger of the right leg by right hand.
6. Continue normal breathing.
7. Repeat this for right side with left leg on right thigh.
8. While releasing the pose, slowly bring hands to the normal position and take supine position.

Benefits:

* Practicing of the pose improves balancing capabilities.
* It also stretches the hamstrings and calves, improving blood circulation and also cures any muscle pull.

Akarshana Dhanurasana - The Pulled Bow Pose

noreply@blogger.com (Yogesh Managaonkar) — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 17:17:00 +0000

"This posture is known as "Akarshana Dhanurasana" because while practicing it, the heels and hips are raised.

Akarshana Dhanurasana

Sequence:

1. Sit erect.
2. Stretch out the legs and keep them close together.
3. Place the palms on the floor at the sides.
4. Bend the right leg at the knee and crossing the left leg, place the right heel on the ground beside the left ankle.
5. Grasp the right big toe with the thumb, index and middle fingers of the left hand and the left big toe with the right thumb, index and middle fingers.
6. Inhaling and keeping the head erect, pull up the right foot till the right knee comes near the right armpit and the right big toe touches the left ear. While doing this, the right hand should pull the big toe of the left leg. While pulling the toes, fix your gaze on the big toe of the stretched left leg.
7. Exhaling, bring back the right foot to the floor on the left side of the outstretched left leg. Release the hands and stretch the legs straight again side by side.
8. Practice reversing the position of the legs.

Variation: Stretch out the legs. Pull the big toes straight towards the ears on the same side of the body, one after the other.

Benefits:

* The arms, shoulders, chest, waist, back, thighs and calves come into play in Akarshana Dhanurasana, and they become well developed, well proportioned and strong.

Akarshana Dhanurasana - The Pulled Bow Pose

noreply@blogger.com (Yogesh Managaonkar) — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 17:17:00 +0000

"This posture is known as "Akarshana Dhanurasana" because while practicing it, the heels and hips are raised.

Akarshana Dhanurasana

Sequence:

1. Sit erect.
2. Stretch out the legs and keep them close together.
3. Place the palms on the floor at the sides.
4. Bend the right leg at the knee and crossing the left leg, place the right heel on the ground beside the left ankle.
5. Grasp the right big toe with the thumb, index and middle fingers of the left hand and the left big toe with the right thumb, index and middle fingers.
6. Inhaling and keeping the head erect, pull up the right foot till the right knee comes near the right armpit and the right big toe touches the left ear. While doing this, the right hand should pull the big toe of the left leg. While pulling the toes, fix your gaze on the big toe of the stretched left leg.
7. Exhaling, bring back the right foot to the floor on the left side of the outstretched left leg. Release the hands and stretch the legs straight again side by side.
8. Practice reversing the position of the legs.

Variation:

Stretch out the legs. Pull the big toes straight towards the ears on the same side of the body, one after the other.

Benefits:

* The arms, shoulders, chest, waist, back, thighs and calves come into play in Akarshana Dhanurasana, and they become well developed, well proportioned and strong.

Yoga Poses

noreply@blogger.com (Yogesh Managaonkar) — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 17:10:00 +0000

Yoga Asanas or postures are body positions, typically associated with the practice of Yoga. They are intended primarily to restore and maintain a practitioner's well-being, improve the body's flexibility and vitality.

To read full Articles click on every title :

Akarshana Dhanurasana - Pulled Bow Pose

"Akarshana" means "pulling" and "Dhanus" means "bow" in Sanskrit. In this posture, the big toes are pulled up to the ear (alternately) as an archer pulls back the string of his bow and gets ready to shoot an arrow.

Anantasana

This is a pose named after the sleeping position of Lord Vishnu.

Ardha Halasana - The Half-Plough Pose

"Ardha" means 'half' and 'Hala' means 'plough' in.

Ardha Matsyendrasana - The Half-Spinal Twist

"Ardha" means "half" in Sanskrit. Since the full posture is difficult to be practiced, the half-posture, which is easier, is followed widely. This posture was first promoted by the great Yogi Matsyendranath, one of the founders of Hatha Yoga, and hence the name.

Ardha Padmasana - Half-Lotus Pose

"Ardha" means "half" and "Padma" means "lotus" in Sanskrit. Those who are unable to assume the full Padmasana posture using both legs as described above owing to the stiffness of their legs or bulky thighs may begin practicing with one leg at a time alternately until they are able to develop the full posture. With the practice of this asana daily, they will be able to take that posture for a long time without discomfort and switch on to the full Padmasana posture after sufficient practice.

Ardha Shalabhasana - Half-Locust Pose

"Shalabha" means "locust" in Sanskrit. The final position of this asana resembles a locust when it lowers its head to eat and raises its tail. Hence, the name. 'Ardha' means 'half' in Sanskrit.

Baddha Konasana

"Baddha" means "locked-up" and "kona" means "angle" in Sanskrit.

Baddha Padmasana - The Locked Lotus Pose

"Baddha" means "bound' or "locked-up" in Sanskrit. The limbs of the body (both arms and legs) are firmly 'locked-up' and immobilized in this posture so as to give it steadiness. In this posture, the big toes are grasped by the fingers with arms crossed from behind.

Bhadrasana - The Locked Lotus Pose

"Bhadra" means 'beneficial' in Sanskrit.

Bhujangasana - Cobra Pose
"Bhujanga" means "cobra" in Sanskrit. This asana is called "Bhujangasana" as the raised trunk, neck and head while practicing it resemble a cobra rearing its hood and about to strike, while the joined and stretched legs resemble its tail.

Chakrasana - Wheel Pose

"Chakra" means "wheel" in Sanskrit.

Dandasana - Stick Pose

"Danda" means "stick" in Sanskrit.

Dhanurasana - Bow Pose

"Dhanus" means "bow" in Sanskrit. In the final position of this asana, the body takes the shape of a bow, drawn tight to shoot an arrow. The stretched arms and lower legs resemble the taut bowstring, while the trunk and thighs resemble the wooden part of the bow.

Gomukhasana - Cow-Face Pose
"Go" means "cow" and "Mukha" means "face" in Sanskrit. When this asana is performed, the final position of the legs resembles the face of a cow.

Halasana - Plough Pose
"Hala" means "Plough" in Sanskrit. This posture is called 'Halasana' because in the final position the body resembles the Indian plough.

Januhastasana - Hand-to-Knee Pose

"Janu" means "knee" and "hasta" means "hand" in Sanskrit. The hand is made to rest near the knee in this posture, hence the name.

Janusirasana - Head-to-Knee Pose

"Janu" means "knee" and "Siras" means "head" in Sanskrit. The head is made to rest on the knee in this posture, hence the name.

Makarasana - Crocodile Pose

"Makar" means "crocodile" in Sanskrit.

Mandukasana - Frog Pose

"Manduk" means "frog" in Sanskrit. The arrangement of the legs in this posture resembles the hind legs of a frog. Hence the name.

Matsyasana - Fish Pose

"Matsya" means "fish" in Sanskrit. If a person lies steadily on water in this posture, he can keep floating on it easily like a fish without the help of the hands and legs, as the name of the asana suggests.

Naukasana - Boat Pose

"Nauka" means "boat" in Sanskrit. The final position of this asana resembles a boat. Hence the name.

Oordhwa Pada Hastasana - Hand-to-Raised-Feet Pose

"Oordhwa" means "raised", "Pada" means "foot" and "Hasta" means "hand" in Sanskrit. You have to touch your raised feet with your hands in this posture.

Padahastasana - Hand-to-Feet Pose

"Pada" means "foot" and "Hasta" means "hand" in Sanskrit. You have to catch your big toes with your hands in this posture.

Padmasana - Lotus Pose

"Padma" means "lotus" in Sanskrit. "Padmasana" means sitting in the "Lotus Pose". This posture is called Padmasana because the arrangement of the hands and feet resemble a lotus when seen from a distance. The two feet placed upon the opposite thigh resemble the leaves while the two hands placed one over the other resembles the lotus in full bloom.

Parvatasana - Mountain Pose

"Parvata" means "mountain" in Sanskrit. As the arms are raised high and the fingers are joined together above the head in this posture, the body resembles mountain peak and hence the name.
Top

Paschimotanasana - Posterior Stretch

"Paschima" means 'behind', 'back' or 'posterior' and 'Uttana' means to stretch out in Sanskrit. "Paschimotana" means stretching the posterior regions of the body.

Pavanamuktasana - Wind-releasing Pose

"Pavana" means "wind" and "Mukta" means release in Sanskrit. As the name suggests, this asana massages the digestive organs and gives relief from excess wind in the stomach and intestines.

Purna Titali Asana - Full Butterfly Pose

"Titali" means "butterfly" in Sanskrit.

Samasana - Equilibrium Pose

In Sanskrit "sama" means "equilibrium". In this asana the external organs of the body are kept in such a way that they stand divided into two, hence the name Samasana.

Sarvangasana - All-Parts Pose

"Shalabha" means "locust" in Sanskrit. The final position of this asana resembles a locust when it lowers its head to eat and raises its tail. Hence, the name.

Sasankasana - Hare Pose

"Sasanka" means "hare" in Sanskrit. The final position of this asana resembles a bounding hare.

Savasana - Corpse Pose

"Sava" means "dead body" in Sanskrit. To practice this asana, one should lie motionless on the floor like as dead body in order to secure complete relaxation of all parts of his body and remove tensions, both physical and mental.

Shalabhasana - Locust Pose

"Shalabha" means "locust" in Sanskrit. The final position of this asana resembles a locust when it lowers its head to eat and raises its tail. Hence, the name.

Siddhasana - Pose of an Adept

"Siddha" means a spiritually enlightened person in Sanskrit.

Sirshasana - Head stand

"Sirsha" means "head" in Sanskrit. It is required to "stand on his head" in this asana and hence the name.

Sukhasana - Comfortable Pose

"Sukha" means "pleasant" or "comfortable" in Sanskrit. Any cross-legged sitting position which you find comfortable, in which the body does not shake and in which you can remain at ease for a long time, is called Sukhasana.
Top

Supta Udarakarshanasana - Lying Abdominal Twist

This pose involves abdominal twisting.

Supta Vajrasana - Reclining Vajrasana

"Supta" means "asleep" in Sanskrit. "Supta Vajrasana" is lying down supine in Vajrasana.

Talasana - Palm-tree Pose

"Tala" means "palm tree" in Sanskrit. In this posture, the body is held upright like the trunk of a palm tree. Hence the name.

Trikonasana - Triangle Pose

"Tri" means "three", "Kona" means "angle", and "Trikona" means "triangle" in Sanskrit The straight legs with the floor between the feet resemble the three sides of a triangle in this asana. Hence the name.

Urdhvamukha Svanasana - Upward-facing dog pose

This pose is also called Downward Dog or Downward-Facing Dog.

Ushtrasana - Camel Pose

"Ushtra" means "camel" in Sanskrit.

Utkatasana - Half-Squat Pose

"Ut" means 'raised' and "kata' means "hips" in Sanskrit. This posture is known as "Utkatasana" because while practicing it, the heels and hips are raised.

Uttanapadasana - Raised-leg Pose

In this asana both the legs are raised upwards and so is called 'dwipada' (both legs) uttanpadasana.
Top

Vajrasana - Adamant Pose

"Vajra" means "adamant" in Sanskrit. Sitting in this asana will provide firmness or stability to the sitter like that of an adamant person. Hence the name.

Vakrasana - Twisted Pose

"Vakra" means "twisted". This asana is designed to twist the spine to the right and left side in from its erect position.

Veerasana - Warrior Pose

"Veera" in Sanskrit means "brave". The way a brave man takes his position while attacking his enemy, the similar position is formed in this asana. Hence it is called as "Veerasana", the pose of a Warrior.

Viparita Karani - Inverted Pose

"Viparita" means "inverted" and "Karani" means "action" in Sanskrit. The usual posture of the body is inverted in this practice.

Vrikshasana - Tree Pose

"Vriksha" means "tree" in Sanskrit. In the final position of this asana, you have to stand still like a tree.

Vaayu Mudra

noreply@blogger.com (Yogesh Managaonkar) — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 09:12:00 +0000

"Vaayu" means "Air". This mudra helps balance the air element in the body.

Vaayu Mudra

Sequence:

1. Fold the index finger (fore finger) on the pad of thumb.
2. Press the forefinger gently on the pad.
3. Keep the other fingers aloof.

Benefits:

* Helps in all nervous ailments.
* Helpful in pains and aches.
* Specific mudra for patients of Cerebral Palsy and Parkinson's ailment.

Varuna Mudra

noreply@blogger.com (Yogesh Managaonkar) — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 09:10:00 +0000

"Varuna" means "Water". It balances the water element in the body.

Varuna Mudra

Sequence:

1. Touch the fore part of the smallest finger to the fore part of thumb.

Benefits:

* Regular practice of this mudra balances water element in body.
* This mudra enhances physical beauty.
* It decreases dryness in skin and body.
* It is beneficial in controlling coughs, colds, asthma, paralysis, vibration, sinuses, and low blood pressure.

Surya Mudra

noreply@blogger.com (Yogesh Managaonkar) — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 09:08:00 +0000

"Surya" means "sun". Sun is the source of energy. Virtue of its energy is present in all living beings. Surya mudra attracts energy of the Sun.

Surya Mudra

Sequence :

1. Touch the third (ring) finger to the pad of thumb.
2. Press the thumb gently over this third (ring) finger.
3. Keep the other fingers aloof.

Benefits:

* This mudra decreases Earth element in body.
* It cures mental heaviness.
* It also reduces body fat.
* The mudra is good for weight loss.

Shunya Mudra

noreply@blogger.com (Yogesh Managaonkar) — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 09:06:00 +0000

"Shunya" means "zero" or "sky". Sky is connected with the highest forces - with the "upper person" - with head.
Shunya Mudra

Sequence:

1. Lower the middle finger and place finger pad on the fleshy mound area of your thumb.
2. Cover it with your thumb.
3. Extend index, ring and little fingers.

This should be practiced for atleast for 45 minutes at a stretch for optimum results.

Benefits:

* This mudra improves impaired hearing.
* It cures earaches in minutes.
* It also helps in nausea, vertigo, and travel sickness.