Relaxation
asanas
The importance of this series of relaxation poses is that they cannot
be over emphasized, they should be performed before and after the asana
session and at any time when the body is very tired. They are specially
recommended for any back / spinal problem.
Meditation asanas
The main purpose of the meditation asanas is to allow to practitioner
to sit for extended periods of time without moving the body and without
discomfort.
Vajra asanas
Vajra is also a major nadi directly connected with the genital urinary
system that regulates the sexual energy in the body, control of Vajra
nadi leads to sublimation and control of sexual energy. Hence this series
is therefore very beneficial for the reproductive as well as digestive
organs and is also reasonably easy to perform.
Standing asanas
This series has a stretching and strengthening effect on the back, shoulder
and leg muscles and it is good for those who spend time in sitting work
or who have pain in the back those who suffer from sciatica or slipped
disc may practice hastha utthana asana,akarna dhanurasana and tadasana,but
they should not practice any other as standing asanas except under the
guidance of experience yoga teacher.
Surya Namaskar
This dynamic group of asanas is not regarded as being a traditional part
of Hatha Yoga practices as it was added to the original asana group at
a later time, it is a complete asana,effecting almost everything what
many asanas together may effect such as loosening up, stretching, massaging
and toning all the joints, muscles and internal organs of the body.
Padmasana group of Asana-( lotus pose)
The asana in this chapter clear, physical, emotional and mental blocks
help awaken the energy centers of the body and induce tranquility. They
increase the ability to sit in Padmasanas for extended periods of time
as required for advanced meditation practices.
Backward bending
On a physical level the backward bending asanas stretch the abdominal
muscles and tone and strengthen the muscles controlling the spine,helping
to prevent slipped disc and other back condition. The practice of backward
bending asanas can correct postural defects and neuromuscular imbalances
of the vertebral column. Backward bending asanas create a negative pressure
in the abdomen and pelvis,helping neuro-circulatory toning of all the
related organs. They also massage the abdomen and pelvic organs by stretching
the muscles in this area especially rectus abdoaminus
The backward bending asanas are postures that turn the body out to face
the world. They are stimulating and extroverting because they expand the
chest and encourage inhalation. They are associated with the attitude
of embarrassing life.
Some people are known to bend over backwards to please others and these
people and these people often have the same ability on the physical level.
Those who have difficulty in bending backwards may be frightened to face
life and give of themselves with love. These common fears are instinctual
or due to unpleasant past experiences. This psychic stiffness dampens
spontaneity and adversely affects the external personality. It translates
itself via the brain and nervous system into the body and is called body
armor backward bending asanas breakdown this body armor, then effects
reach far into the depths of the mental and psychic bodies helping to
remold and reshape the personality.
Forward bending asanas
Forward bending is a passive process in which gravity is utilized to stretch
the muscle groups being focused upon. While backward bends move the body
away from the confines of gravity. Forward bending asanas use gravity
to help release tension and pain. It is a process of introversion, counteracting
the extroversion and dynamic opening up of bending backwards. Forward
bending, associated with chest compression and exhalation induces relaxation,
forward bending asanas loosen up the back maintaining good health and
increasing vitality during a forward bending asanas. Each of the vertebra
is separated, stimulating the nerves, improving circulation around the
spine and nourishing the spinal cord. This has a positive impact on the
organs of the body generally and on the brain specifically. Most forward
bending asanas start by bending form the hip and not the waist bending
form the hip gives greater flexibility of movement and creates a stronger
pressure against the abdomen.
One should not force the back to bend further forward than present flexibility
will allow rather the muscles should be relaxed allowing gravity and exhalation.
To move the body, with regular practice, even the most rigid back will
develop increased flexibility.
Spinal twisting asanas
These are very important asanas for spinal health and it is advisable
that every asana program should include at least one practice from this
group preferably following the forward and backward bending. Most of the
spinal twists asanas enhance the pranic flow around the navel. This nourishes
organs such as kidneys, stomach, small intestine, liver and gallbladder.
On the emotional and psychic levels, controlled twisting represents a
means of managing the knots and problems of life for many people life
seems complicated and their problems appear too difficult to solve these
asanas the tangled knots of life.
Inverted
These practices improve health, reduce anxiety and increase self-confidence
also increase mental power concentration and capacity to sustain large
work loads with out strain. These asanas encourage rich supply of blood
to flow to the brain nourishing the neurons and flushing out toxins blood
and lymph, accumulated in the lower limbs and abdomen, are drained back
to the heart, then circulated to the lungs, purified and re-circulated
to all parts of the body. This process nourishes the cells of the whole
human organism. The enriched blood flow also allows the pituitary gland
to operate more efficiently, tuning the entire endocrine system. This
has a positive effect on the metabolic process and even on ways of thinking.
They undoubtedly improve the quality of meditation and concentration.
Balancing
These asanas develop the cerebellum, the brain centre that controls how
the body works in motion; these asasnas induce physical balance stilling
unconscious movements. As the moving body attains balance it becomes increasingly
free to rely on other forces such as gravity, to support and propel it
,this group develops a balanced mind and a more mature outlook on life.Asanas
are especially noted for balancing the nervous system and removing stress
and anxiety.For relief of excessive tension these practice should be held
for as long as possible. When practicing these asanas,it is most important
to steady the mind through concentration on one point.