Yoga Asanas - Promoting a Balance Between the Body and the Mind

Patanjali, the author of "Yoga sutras," the first compilation of yoga practices in writing, defines the word Asana as, "to be seated in a position that is firm, but relaxed," for extensive or eternal time. Asana represents two things - yoga posture where the practitioner sits still with his or her spine in a therapeutic posture that recognizes the liveliness of the inner body, and the place where the practitioner sits.

They credit yoga with eight limbs. Asana is the third limb in this hierarchy and is the only conduit through which one can attain a harmony of the physical body and the mind. The postures or the Asanas, as one refers to them in the pursuit of yoga, contribute selectively to the health and well-being of human beings in general bhadrasana contraindications.

According to Patanjali, every asana holds a balance between stillness and movements, and mirrors an exclusive mental attitude that may vary from surrender to God, strengthening of your will or getting your body to perform a physical prayer. Our body, soul and mind find nourishment and vitality from the practice of the diverse Asanas.

Some important Asanas

Surya Namaskar (Sun Obeisance)

This is a primary asana where you flex and stretch your body, as you prepare for the different Asanas. While you stretch your body in different directions, you will regulate your breathing, expand, and contract your chest. Done regularly, your spine and joints will become supple.

Pranayama (Essential Breathing)

Keeping your spine, neck and head in one straight line in the lotus pose, and inducing breathing exercises will, over a period, bring great clarity and a sense of balance to your mind and revitalize your body. Kalpabhati is a prelude to pranayama that concentrates on forced exhalation of air, thus inviting the fresh influx of oxygen.

Sarvang Asana (Shoulder Stand)

This asana involves a shoulder stand, which revitalizes the whole body. This asana provides a gentle massage of your thyroid and parathyroid in your neck region, thereby increasing blood circulation to this gland, and increasing its vitality and efficacy in the effective metabolism of proteins, fats and carbohydrates.

Padma Asana (The Louts)

The lotus asana is difficult to achieve if you are not familiar with practicing bhadrasana. In the lotus position, you sit with your heels close to the body, feet together and spine erect. The doctors opine that this asana is excellent for the smooth functioning of the liver.

Shirsh Asana (For the Head)

This vital asana has several benefits to its credit, which include improving blood circulation to the head; enhancing memory with enrichment of concentration and sensing abilities. It not only helps prevent hair loss, but also maintains health of your scalp and hair.