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'Asanas' in Sanskrit means posture.
There are around 84 asanas - each one has a
special name, special form and a distinct way
of performing. Asanas are designed to promote,
a state of mental and physical well-being or
good health. This may be defined as the condition
that is experienced when all the organs function
effectively under the intelligent control of
the mind. Asanas have an extraordinary capacity
to overhaul, rejuvenate and bring the entire
system into a state of balance.
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Surya Namaskar means
greeting or bowing the sun. Usually
all sessions of Yoga asanas begin
with the 'Surya Namaskar' or sun salutation.
It nourishes and energizes the upper
part of the body.
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Utthan Pada Asana (Leg Lifting Posture) |
Utthan'
means to raise up and 'Pada' means
legs. In this posture the legs are
lifted upwards. It strengthens the
spinal code and removes disorders
of the back.
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Paschimothan Asana (The Forward
Bend) |
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Paschimothan Asana also
known as touching toes posture, means
stretching the back. It brings flexibility
and corrects disorders of the spine.
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Bhujanga Asana (The Cobra)
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Bhujanga' means serpent
or snake. This asana is named after
the king of the snakes, Cobra. It
provides a youthful appearance and
for women, makes child birth easy.
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Salabha Asana (The Locust)
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Salabha' or locust is
a type of grass hopper. It is a reverse
of cobra posture. It is strenuous
and can be practiced in parts at the
initial stage. It favourably activates
all the organs of the lower part of
the body.
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Sarvanga Asana (The shoulder Stand) |
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Sarva' means all and
'Anga' means body, so Sarvanga is
the posture of the whole body. As
the whole body weight in this posture
rests on the shoulders, it is also
called 'Shoulder Stand Posture'. It
is a purifying, nourishing and energizing
asana beneficial to the whole body.
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Matsya Asana (The Fish Posture)
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Matsya Asana is so called
because in its perfect posture, one
is supposed to float like a fish in
water. It is beneficial to perform
this asana after Sarvanga
Asana. It has corrective effects for
the neck and shoulder troubles.
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Dhanur Asana (The Bow Posture) |
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The body form in this
asana resembles a bow or 'dhanur'.
It is one of the best asana for activating
and strengthening the joints of the
body. It has some special benefits
for women.
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The plow or Hala Asana
is an extreme forward bending exercise.
It has some excellent benefits and
occupies a very prominent place in
asanas. It is a unique asana for gaining
sexual powers.
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'
Shava Asana' means posture
of a dead body. Also known as 'Yoga
Nidra' which means yogic method of
sleep. It is an asana which claims
to provide a satisfactory relaxation
of both the body and the mind.
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