Translate the Blog

Saturday, November 16, 2013

Parvatasana (Mountain Pose)

Procedure for Parvatasana (Mountain Pose):




  • Start from Padmasana, take both hands forward and lock the fingers of both hands together.
  • Inhaling, stretch the arms with finger-lock vertically above head without raising seat and knees.
  • Turn the palms up exactly above center of head.
  • Exhale.
  • Inhaling again, stretch your arms upwards from shoulder blades and stretch trunk to maximum without moving from your seat.
  • Maintain this posture, holding your breath.
  • Exhaling, resume starting position.
  • In this pose body is stretched to look like a mountain peak and so it is called Parvatasana (Parvat means mountain in Sanskrit).
  • Beginners can practice Parvatasana for 10-15 seconds in beginning. After some practice, duration can be increased up to 1 minute.
Advantages of Parvatasana (Mountain Pose):
  • Parvatasana pulls up all abdominal, pelvic and side muscles, stretches spine and ribs, loosens hips, stretches and exercises usually inactive waist zone and helps to reduce a fat, flabby and protruding abdomen. As a result, body becomes slim and its balancing power increases.
  • It tones the abdominal muscles and hence stimulates the inner organs in the abdominal region.
  • The asana strengthens the muscles of the back of the diaphragm. It helps to reduce back pain.
  • Visceroptosis and pain in backbone is removed.
  •  It is beneficial in constipation and removes seminal weakness.
  • The chest expands to its full extent and the lungs capacity improves by the regular practice of this asana. It sets right respiratory disorders including asthma.
  • This makes spine flexible. Parvatasana stretches the spine. It helps practitioners below 18 years to gain some height.
  •  As you stretch your arms straight, your triceps and biceps receive good work out.
Therapeutics:
  • Asthma
  • Back Pain
  • Respiratory Disorders
  • Constipation
  • Weight Loss

Friday, November 8, 2013

Baddha Padmasana (Bound Lotus Pose)

Procedure for Baddha Padmasana (Bound Lotus Pose):

  • Assume the Padmasana position.
  • Extend your right arm behind your back and reach round until your right band is near left hip.
  • While breathing out, lean forward slightly and grab the big toe of each foot with respective hand (grab right big toe with right hand and left big toe with left hand)
  • If you experience difficulty in grabbing your toes, stretch your back and bring your shoulder blades closer together. First grab the big toe that is the uppermost of two, and then attempt to grab the big toe of other foot.
  • Sit erect and hold position for a few seconds. The arms and legs are now firmly locked-up. Keep spine, neck and head erect.
  •  Draw in the abdomen. Both knees must press the ground. Look straight ahead. Breathe normally. This is Baddha Padmasana Position.
  • Maintain this position for as long as you feel comfortable.
  • Release the hands and unlock foot lock. Stretch out legs again and assume normal sitting position.
  • Resume Padmasana. Repeat asana, this time crossing the legs other way.
Advantages of Baddha Padmasana (Bound Lotus Pose):
  • The benefits of Padmasana also accrue from Baddha Padmasana and bring greater flexibility to the legs.
  • Relieves spinal tension & Reduces sciatic pain
  • Helps with pain in the back, shoulders, arms & massages internal organs
  • Promotes typical growth in children who have poorly developed chests
  • Encourages healthy kidney function & Supports the abdominal and pelvic organs
  • Helps support menstrual cycle & prevent hernia
Therapeutics:
  • Sciatic Pain
  • Asthma
  • Hernia
  • Insomnia
  • Hysteria
  • Depression