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Asanas
Asanas is translated from Sanskrit (an ancient Indian language that is the
language of Hinduism) and means ‘seat’ or comfortable position, a connection
through which a relationship can be established with the Earth.
Asanas are the various types of poses and postures that are the fundamentals
of yoga (the natural state, origin of truth, beauty and eternal happiness).
Asanas are dynamic internal dances that help to keep the body strong, flexible
and relaxed, whilst also strengthening the nervous system. In understanding
Yoga, and Asanas, it must be understood that the idea is to produce a process
of inner perception.
Each Asana is designed to stimulate the body’s glands, organs or our awareness.
Performing an Asana is needed to quiet the mind for meditation. Asanas apply
pressure on nerves or accupressure points to encourage certain effects, as each
Asana is different and will produce a different result. Not all Asanas are meant
for everyone.
There are many types of Asana, each derived from the form of an animal and
generally carry animal terms. Some of the most common Asanas are listed and
explained below:
Cross the legs comfortably at the ankles or both feet on the floor, pressing
the lower spine forward to keep the back straight.
- PERFECT POSE (Or Siddhasana):
Right heel presses against the perineum, sole against left thigh. Left heel
is placed on top of the right heel and presses the body above the genitals with
the toes tucked into the groove between the right calf and thigh. Knees should
be on the ground with heels one directly above the other.
Lift left foot onto upper right thigh, then place right foot on left thigh
as close to the body as possible, This locked-in posture is easier to do than
it looks and it enhances deep meditation. The right leg is always on top.
- ROCK POSE (or Vajrasana):
Kneel and sit on heels (tops of feet on the ground) so that they press the
nerves in the center of the buttocks.
- CELIBATE or Hero Pose (or Viirasana):
With feet hip width apart, kneel and sit between the feet. This posture channels
sexual energy up the spine.
Other forms of Asana include:
- Yoga Pose (Yogasana)
- Fish (Matsyasana)
- Bow (Dhanurasana)
- Cobra (Bhujaungasana)
- Locust (Shalabhasana)
- Bellows (Bhastrikasana)
- Head-to-Knee (Janushirasana)
- Spinal Twist (Bharadvajasana)
- Wheel (Cakrasana)
- Plough (Halasana)
- Shoulder Stand (Sarvaungasana)
- Hare (Shashaungasana)
- Triangle (Utthita Trikonasana)
- Corpse (Shavasana)
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