Paschimottanasana Paschimottanasana is a seated forward bend with the upper body folded forward over the legs. It is one of the 12 basic postures of Hatha yoga and is also part of the Ashtanga primary series. Paschimottanasana is considered to be a calming posture for the mind and nervous system. It may be therapeutic for…
Pasasana : Pasasana is a posture in which the body is twisted and the arms are bound around the squatting legs. The name comes from the Sanskrit pasa, meaning “noose,” “tie” or “snare,” and asana, which means “pose” or “posture.” It is so called because of the way the arms form a bound loop around…
Parsvakonasana : Utthita Parsvakonasana or Extended Side Angle Pose is an asana. It involves using many essential muscle groups: legs, ankles, groin, chest, lungs, shoulders, spine, and the abdomen. Description : The pose is entered from Tadasana; the legs are spread wide apart, the feet are turned out as for Trikonasana and the arms are…
What is a Padmasana? Padmasana or Lotus Position is a cross-legged sitting asana originating in meditative practices of ancient India, in which each foot is placed on the opposite thigh. It is an established asana, commonly used for meditation, in the Yoga, Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist contemplative traditions. The asana is said to resemble a…
What is a Navasana? Navasana is a seated yoga asana that requires core strength to hold the body in a “V” shape. Along with a range of physical benefits, it is believed to build concentration, stamina, and balance. Steps of Navasana Begin the practice of Paripurna Navasana after a few rounds of Surya Namaskar. This…
What is a Natarajasana (Dancer Pose)? Natarajasana (Dancer Pose) is a graceful yoga pose that combines balance, strength, and flexibility. Named after Lord Shiva in his form as Nataraja, the cosmic dancer, this pose symbolizes grace and power. It involves standing on one leg while the other leg is lifted and stretched back, with one…
Siddhasana : Siddhasana, or Accomplished Pose, is a seated meditation posture that promotes stability and calmness. It encourages proper spinal alignment, enhances focus, and supports deep breathing, making it ideal for meditation and pranayama practices. Steps: First, sit comfortably on the floor, keeping your legs close to each other. Now keep your left foot at…
Mayurasana : Mayurasana is an advanced arm-balancing asana that tones and detoxifies the body, promotes mental health, and energizes the solar plexus chakra. Cautions: Mayūrāsana is an important balancing asana that demands physical strength. In this asana the entire weight of the body remains on the navel and it is possible to lose balance at…
Matsyendrasana Matsyendrasana was named after the yogi, Matsyendranath, a student of the Hindu god, Shiva (also known as the adi yogi, or the “first” yogi). Also referred to as purna matsyendrasana, the pose is a complete spinal twist with amazing health benefits. Steps: Sit in Vajrasana position or sit straight with stretching your legs in…
What is a Matsyasana? Matsyasana, commonly known as Fish Pose, is a classic yoga asana that holds significant importance in both the physical and spiritual aspects of yoga practice. The name “Matsyasana” is derived from Sanskrit, where “Matsya” means “fish” and “asana” refers to “pose” or “posture.” Matsya is also the name of an incarnation…
