Kapotasana is a strong hip opener that improves flexibility throughout the body. From Sanskrit, kapota means “pigeon” and asana means “pose” or “posture.” Steps of Advance Pigeon Pose (Kapotasana) First, get into the Ustrasana (Camel Pose). Breathe in and raise the lower part of your belly up. Make sure you pull it in before you…
Janu sirsasana is a series of asymmetrical seated forward bends. From Sanskrit, janu means “knee,” sirsa means “head” and asana means “pose.” The intention of the pose is to fold the body so that the head moves closer to the knee. In the full expression of the posture, though, once the hamstrings and back of…
Hanumanasana is an advanced seated asana that requires lots of flexibility in the hips, groin and legs — particularly the hamstrings and quadriceps. The name comes from the name of the Hindu monkey god, Hanuman; and asana, meaning “pose.” This asana is named as such because it represents the leap Hanuman made from the southern…
What is a Halasana? Halasana is a folded inversion, traditionally considered a finishing pose that may be practiced at the end of a yoga session. As a finishing pose, it helps prepare the body for relaxation, pranayama and meditation. How to do Halasana? Steps Lying on the floor in a supine position, with the arms…
Gomukhasana: Gomukhasana is a seated yoga posture that stretches several parts of the body simultaneously, including the ankles, hips, thighs, shoulders, underarms, triceps, and chest. The name comes from the Sanskrit go, meaning “cow,” mukha, meaning “face,” and asana, meaning “pose.” How to do Gomukhasana? Steps: Begin by sitting in a cross-leg seated posture. Bring…
Description: Garudasana, or Eagle Pose, is a balancing posture that strengthens the legs, ankles, and core while improving focus and flexibility. It also stretches the shoulders, upper back, and hips, promoting concentration and stability. Variations: Usually, Garudasana is performed with a straight spine, so that it shows the mythical bird Garuda, but most people make…
Garbhasana is a pose or posture that derives from the Sanskrit term “Garbha,” which also means fetus or embryo. Your body takes on the shape of a developing fetus when you strike this stance. Thus, this asana has that name. Yoga’s Fetus Pose requires you to balance while keeping your weight on your buttocks. It…
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…
