BODY YOGA: ASANA

BODY YOGA: ASANA

“ASANA” means posture of the body. Body yoga performed with a number of poses each of which has specific physical and mental benefits.  These asanas open the energy channels and chakras. They help in purifying and strengthening the body and also in controlling and focussing the mind. Synchronizing the breath with the movements of the body is very important. For maximum benefits, asanas should be done slowly with full awareness of the breathe going in and coming out.

          The only requirement for practicing asanas is to be "steady and comfortable". The body should be held firm yet relaxed, and the practitioner should not experience discomfort of any kind. Tightness or tension observed within the body should be consciously relaxed. Breathing should be natural, through the nose.

A few conditions to be followed before performing Asana:

 Drink a glass of water before performing asanas.

 The stomach should be empty.

It is best to perform the asanas early in the morning or in the evening around dusk.

 Force or pressure should not be used while performing asanas.

Asanas should be performed slowly.

 Always breathe through the nose.

If the body is stressed, perform shavasana (corpse pose).