What is a Dhanurasana (Bow Pose)? Dhanurasana, commonly known as Bow Pose, is a dynamic backbend posture in yoga that derives its name from the Sanskrit words “Dhanur” (bow) and “Asana” (pose), symbolizing the shape the body takes while performing the pose. This asana is highly beneficial for enhancing spinal flexibility, strengthening the back muscles,…
Dandasana, also known as Staff Pose, is a foundational seated yoga posture that serves as a starting point for many other seated poses. Derived from the Sanskrit words “Danda,” meaning “stick” or “staff,” and “Asana,” meaning “pose,” Dandasana emphasizes proper alignment and posture. This pose is essential for building strength and awareness in the core,…
Bhujangasana or Cobra Pose is a back-bending asana in hatha yoga. Health Benefits of Bhujangasana: Bhujangasana may strengthen the spine, stretch the chest, shoulders, and abdomen, firm the buttocks, remove lethargy relieve stress and fatigue, and make the practitioner active. Traditional texts say that Bhujangasana increases body heat, destroys disease, and awakens kundalini. The practitioner…
Description: Bharadvajasana II variation viewed from the front Bharadvajasana is a basic seated spinal twist. It has three main variations:- Bharadvajasana II is the advanced variation requiring high hip mobility in which one leg articulated as in the Padmasana (lotus position), while the other leg is articulated as in the Virasana. Bharadvajasana I is the…
Balasana, commonly known as Child’s Pose, is a restorative yoga posture that promotes relaxation and grounding. This pose, which has its roots in the Sanskrit terms “bala” (child) and “asana” (stance), resembles the fetal position and represents repose and surrender. It is often used as a resting pose during yoga practice and helps stretch the…
Bakasana: Bakāsana, often used interchangeably with Kakāsana (Sanskrit: काकासन, Crow Pose) is an asana. In all variations, this is an arm balancing pose in which hands are planted on the floor, shins rest upon upper arms, and feet lift up. Description This asana is considered an arm balance. According to B.K.S. Iyengar there are two…
Matsyendrasana Matsyendrasana, Matsyendra’s Pose or Lord of the Fishes Pose, is an asana in hatha yoga. The full form is the difficult Paripurna Matsyendrasana. A common and easier variant is Ardha Matsyendrasana. The asana usually appears as a seated spinal twist with many variations, and in its half form is one of the twelve basic…
Ardha Candrāsana : Ardha Chandrasana or Half Moon Pose is an asana. Benefits: Like all standing balance asanas, ardha chandrasana offers many benefits related to focus and proprioception, and strengthening of hip and knee muscles. This asana is particularly beneficial to the external rotators and stabilizers of the hip including gluteus medius and minimus, obturators…
Anjaneyasana Anjaneyāsana is an asana. The name Anjaneya is a matronymic for Hanuman whose mother’s name is Anjani. Hanuman is a central figure in the epic Rāmāyaṇa and an important Iṣṭa-devatā in devotional worship. The name crescent pose is typically used in English. The name half-moon pose or crescent moon pose is sometimes used for…
Adho mukha śvānāsana : Anatomical focus : Primary muscles: Trapezius, latissimus dorsi, triceps, gluteus maximus, hamstrings, full body/integrated . Secondary muscles (synergists/stabilizers): Rhomboids, rotator cuff, anterior and medial deltoids, posterior deltoids, extensors, serratus anterior, soleus, gastrocnemius body/integrated. Description : The preparatory position is with the hands and knees on the floor, hands under the shoulders,…
