YOGA
Salute to health
The Tribune, March 04, 2006, Chandigarh, India
In yoga there is nothing more splendid than the practice of the twelve postures that form the surya namaskar, which literally means sun salutations. Each posture promotes balance in the physical body, increases vitality in the pranic body and enhances the efficiency of the chakra body. Every posture is done with complete awareness of the physical stance, the breath and attention on the chakra it works on. Later a mantra (sound vibration) is added to the practice. Do not attempt the following postures without guidance from a yoga teacher.
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Parvatasana: In this fifth posture of the surya namaskar- 'mountain' pose the body is raised to form the peak of a mountain. The legs are together and the hands stretched while gently raising the hips and the chest off the ground. The body rests on the hands and the feet. The head is between the hands and looking in at the knees, chin gently pressing the thyroid region. In this inverted posture, the neck, the back, upper back, the legs down to the Achilles tendon are stretched. The arms and shoulders are strengthened by the constant weight upon them. The chakra concentrated upon is once again the vishuddhi at the base of the throat for creative excellence. |
Finding Balance 3
Stand with back straight, feet together heel to toe touching. Keep the shoulders back as if touching a wall in the rear, chest slightly protruding out. Both hands are hanging to the side. Now without changing your stance, bring both hands up above your head to stretch straight up palms facing each other. Hold this posture for as long as possible without losing balance. Breath out as you bring the hands down.
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Ashtanga Namaskar: Meaning 'eight limbs salutations' here the body is gently brought down to touch the ground at the toes, knees, chest and chin. The hips are off the ground so also the stomach. The hands are placed on both sides of the chest and the spine is arched. This posture develops the arms, chest, shoulders and legs. It rejuvenates the spine by supporting the natural curves of the spine. It is symbolic of the eight limbs of yoga and strengthens the attitude of surrender to the will of the divine. The concentration is at the Manipur chakra at the navel, which releases a tremendous amount of pranic energy in the body.
Bhujangasana: Popularly known as the 'cobra pose' in which the body first supine on the ground on the stomach is raised up from the chest level to arch up like a snake while the legs are stretched straight back like the tail, hence the English name. This posture relieves many ailments of the lungs and chest, asthma, bronchitis, strengthens the walls of the heart, relieves constipation, indigestion, revitalises a sluggish liver and kidneys. The attention is on the swadhishtan chakra at the tailbone. |
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