YOGA
Defy Gravity
The Tribune, April 8, 2006, Chandigarh, India
We spend most of our time feet down and the gravitational pull is directed accordingly. Reversing this posture makes the circulatory system more efficient by allowing the venous blood to flow easily to the heart and the cleaner blood to course through the regions above the heart. The inverted postures have a special effect by facilitating the blood to flood the upper body. |
When preceded by pranayama exercises, the freshly oxygenated blood improves circulation and helps flush out toxins. All organs benefit with this opposite movement but the endocrine organs, the heart, the lungs, the thoracic region, the face, the eyes, nose and ear and the brain are especially effected with this fresh inflow of blood.
The following postures are to be done under the guidance of a yoga teacher since wrong misguided efforts can cause more harm than good. |
Upside down
Lie flat on your back across on the bed. Gently shift your body up to align the shoulders with the edge of the bed. Straighten the legs and lower the head down so it hangs over the side of the bed. Feel the gentle stretch of the spine and compression in the neck. This posture is a natural traction for the back and called the merusankarshasana. Hold the posture for a few minutes and keep the eyes open. Remember at any discomfort release the posture immediately. |
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Sarvangasasana: This posture is called the 'mother' of all asanas, credited with exercising the limbs, muscles and organs- Sarva meaning whole, entire and anga meaning body, asana is posture. It can be done with or without support. The inflow of blood energises the thoracic region and benefits all throat, nasal and bronchial problems, the thyroid and parathyroid glands are rejuvenated; as the 'jallandar bandh'- chin lock by pressing the chin to the base of the throat- occurs simultaneously, blood flow to the brain is regulated giving relief from headaches, negative thoughts, hyper activity and nervousness. In the lower body as the organs shift circulation improves and urinary problems clear and bowel movements improve as does menstrual problem in women. From the toe to the head every part of the body is positively benefited by this posture.
Halasana: Hala means a plough and here the body is moved into the form of a farmers plough. In addition to all the benefits of the sarvangasana, the halasana is credited with removing tiredness and increasing energy levels, since the spine gets an additional stretch the central nervous system is revitalised and chronic backaches are cured.
Keeping the eyes open during inverted postures will give the person practising new perspective, as one looks at surroundings from a different angle! |
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