Shoulderstand ? (Sarvangasana)
?Healthy thyroid means healthy functioning of all the organs of the body?
Yogasana the third limb of Raja Yoga also popularly understood by mass population as yoga is getting popular as never before in both eastern and western countries. The reason for Yogasana (popularly know as Yoga) to gain popularity are numerous ranging from releasing stress, flexibility to helping patient suffering from various disease. Although the initial objective of Yogasana (Yoga) in Raja Yoga was different, however the ability of yoga to help patient with various ailments is really praiseworthy.
The Shoulderstand is called the Queen of all asanas as it benefits the whole body. It is a forward-bending posture engaging all parts of the body and stretching the shoulders, neck and upper back. In the Shoulderstand the whole body is supported by the hands, arms and shoulders. As the body is inverted the blood flows to the heart without any strain by force of the gravity.
The Shoulderstand nourishes the thyroid gland which: regulates the body?s metabolism, controls the heart rate, promotes the growth and balances the digestive and nervous system. This asana tones the legs and abdomen increasing circulation to those areas. It massages the abdominal organs and it relieves stress. Because of the enriched blood flow to the brain it also relieves emotional and mental stress, headaches and it is very tranquilising.
When you are in the Shoulderstand there will be a sensation of extra pressure and tension in the neck because of the severe flexion in the neck. Your eyes, ears and face may also experience an increased sensation of pressure.
During the Shoulderstand the expansion of the chest is restricted leading to breathe at the rates of not less than eight breaths per minutes, and in many cases up to twenty breaths per minute.
During holding this posture the blood pressure in the brain will be an average of 110mmHg.
Three important reasons (out of many) you should not do Shoulderstand:
1) If you have High Blood Pressure the posture is better to avoid.
2) Anyone who has Cervical Spondylities should not attempt to practice this pose because as you hold the pose the weight of the body is taken through the neck.
3) If you have Glaucoma or Detached Retina please, avoid the Shoulderstand as it could worsen the condition.
Issued in the interest of people practicing Hatha Yoga by Subodh Gupta, Yoga Expert based in London.
Mr. Subodh Gupta, consultant with The Times of India group and has conducted more than 500 workshops on Yoga and Stress Management. He has been interviewed by various TV channels in India and London.
For reaching to Subodh Gupta website http://www.subodhgupta.com/ and for Subodh Gupta article webpage http://www.subodhgupta.com/yogaarticle.html.
Showing posts with label Abdominal Organs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Abdominal Organs. Show all posts
February 26, 2009
The Most Important Yoga Pose When You are on the Go
With over 84, 000 poses in yoga to choose from for practice, yoga enthusiasts and practitioners might be left confused on just which ones are the most important.
With our daily demands and commitments, most of us might not have the time to perform so many poses therefore we should focus on the one that is of the most benefit for daily practice and that is the Shoulder-Stand (known in Sanskrit as Savangasana).
It is my recommended favorite of the inverted poses. Its ease and reminder that as a kid, you tried it before, makes it one that I emphasize even more so than the Headstand you might be familiar with as they share almost if not all the same benefits without the fear of standing on your head.
Inverted poses reverse the action of gravity on the body. Instead of everything being pulled towards the feet, the orientation shifts towards the head. On emotional levels the Shoulder Stand turns everything upside down throwing a new light on old patterns of behavior.
It improves health, reduces stress and anxiety and increases mental power and also increases self confidence. In addition, the abdominal organs, liver, spleen, stomach, kidneys and pancreas receive a powerful massage helping them work better.
In Sanskrit, Sarvanga means all parts so as the name suggests, it affects all the bodily organs. It stimulates the thyroid gland, balancing the circulatory, digestive, nervous, reproductive and endocrine systems. It is indeed a panacea, a cure all. Obesity and corpulence are alleviated by this pose as well as constipation and enlargement of the liver and the spleen.
It is best practiced with its counter poses in specific durations for maximal efficiency and when planned correctly, the whole sequence could take less than 6 minutes to carry out, depending on your schedule.
Personally, I make the point as a practitioner to incorporate the sequence into my daily regimen with other forms of exercise, but I always place the most emphasis on this one pose for all the benefits above.
So next time when you are unsure of which pose you have to include in your session when you are on the go, make it a point to go for the Shoulder-Stand. Your body will thank you for it.
Foras Aje is an independent health researcher and founder of Bodyhealthsoul.com For more Yoga tips and information on Yoga for beginners, feel free to stop by his website today.
With our daily demands and commitments, most of us might not have the time to perform so many poses therefore we should focus on the one that is of the most benefit for daily practice and that is the Shoulder-Stand (known in Sanskrit as Savangasana).
It is my recommended favorite of the inverted poses. Its ease and reminder that as a kid, you tried it before, makes it one that I emphasize even more so than the Headstand you might be familiar with as they share almost if not all the same benefits without the fear of standing on your head.
Inverted poses reverse the action of gravity on the body. Instead of everything being pulled towards the feet, the orientation shifts towards the head. On emotional levels the Shoulder Stand turns everything upside down throwing a new light on old patterns of behavior.
It improves health, reduces stress and anxiety and increases mental power and also increases self confidence. In addition, the abdominal organs, liver, spleen, stomach, kidneys and pancreas receive a powerful massage helping them work better.
In Sanskrit, Sarvanga means all parts so as the name suggests, it affects all the bodily organs. It stimulates the thyroid gland, balancing the circulatory, digestive, nervous, reproductive and endocrine systems. It is indeed a panacea, a cure all. Obesity and corpulence are alleviated by this pose as well as constipation and enlargement of the liver and the spleen.
It is best practiced with its counter poses in specific durations for maximal efficiency and when planned correctly, the whole sequence could take less than 6 minutes to carry out, depending on your schedule.
Personally, I make the point as a practitioner to incorporate the sequence into my daily regimen with other forms of exercise, but I always place the most emphasis on this one pose for all the benefits above.
So next time when you are unsure of which pose you have to include in your session when you are on the go, make it a point to go for the Shoulder-Stand. Your body will thank you for it.
Foras Aje is an independent health researcher and founder of Bodyhealthsoul.com For more Yoga tips and information on Yoga for beginners, feel free to stop by his website today.
February 24, 2009
Benefits Of Padangusthasana
This is one of the basic yoga asanas which we learn initially while learning yoga. All the yoga poses help in improving your flexibility which becomes very useful in our daily life. The asana is also known as head to foot pose. Your desire to regulate your blood pressure can be done by this asana. The pressure on your head and the stretching of the muscles relaxes your brain, making you work out things more easily and calmly. The stretching and pulling tones your body and relaxes you by making you feel at ease. The bending helps your abdominal organs as it massages the liver and spleen making it useful to the optimum level.
If done properly this asana would benefit not only body but would teach you be calm and patient. It has to be done slowly and not in a haste, if you want to receive its full benefits. The tiring muscles would be elevated and rejuvenated by this pose. The stretching of the muscles helps your hips, thighs, hamstrings, groin and calves. When these muscles are stretched they make your body more agile and fit. It helps to strengthen the other muscles which would help in recuperating your tired body. The less stress you give to your important organs it would work in a better fashion and helping your health.
With the improper diet, many of us suffer from gastric and indigestion problems. As we do not take care of our health and does not even look at the warning signs our body sends to us. This exercise helps in removing the bloating feeling caused by the indigestion and gastric troubles. It stretches most parts of your body like back, spine and legs which also plays a major role at the time of conception. Your knees are strengthened; the pressure helps in reduction of flat foot. Some other benefits are in strengthening your prostrate gland, reduction in blood pressure, helps in removing your backache, less menstrual discomfort is also provided by this asana.
Kevin Pederson webmaster for Yoga site opens a new door towards your knowledge about yoga and its usefulness in all walks of your life, be it office, home or traveling. Padangusthasana Yoga Asana would lead you towards calmness and patience.
If done properly this asana would benefit not only body but would teach you be calm and patient. It has to be done slowly and not in a haste, if you want to receive its full benefits. The tiring muscles would be elevated and rejuvenated by this pose. The stretching of the muscles helps your hips, thighs, hamstrings, groin and calves. When these muscles are stretched they make your body more agile and fit. It helps to strengthen the other muscles which would help in recuperating your tired body. The less stress you give to your important organs it would work in a better fashion and helping your health.
With the improper diet, many of us suffer from gastric and indigestion problems. As we do not take care of our health and does not even look at the warning signs our body sends to us. This exercise helps in removing the bloating feeling caused by the indigestion and gastric troubles. It stretches most parts of your body like back, spine and legs which also plays a major role at the time of conception. Your knees are strengthened; the pressure helps in reduction of flat foot. Some other benefits are in strengthening your prostrate gland, reduction in blood pressure, helps in removing your backache, less menstrual discomfort is also provided by this asana.
Kevin Pederson webmaster for Yoga site opens a new door towards your knowledge about yoga and its usefulness in all walks of your life, be it office, home or traveling. Padangusthasana Yoga Asana would lead you towards calmness and patience.
Yoga for PMS
Most women experience PMS symptoms at different points of their lives. PMS (premenstrual symptom) is usually characterized by anxiety, irritability, depression, craving sugary foods and feeling bloated. There are many homeopathic and nutritional solutions for relieving the PMS, but a regular yoga asana practice can be tremendously beneficial as well.
Many women experience chocolate and sugar cravings before periods. Chocolate contains magnesium, a mineral that decreases menstrual cramping and helps normalize glucose metabolism. Magnesium is also found in bananas, dried apricots and almonds, so keep that in mind when the next PMS hits.
Poses for sugar cravings:
Bow Pose ? Dhanurasana
The bow stretches and tones the ovaries, uterus, and abdominal organs. It increases the overall energy and improves the mood.
Lay face down on the floor. Bend your knees, grab a hold of the outsides of your ankles and on the inhale come up, arching your back and trying to reach the top of your head and your feet up towards the sky and towards each other. Keep drawing your feet towards each other, eventually drawing your knees together. Hold for five to ten breaths.
Modified Bridge Pose
Modified bridge pose rejuvenates and tones the reproductive organs as well as the abdominal organs, relieving carbohydrate cravings.
Lay down on your back, with the knees bent, soles of the feet hip width apart on the floor, as close as possible to your body. Arms are extended next to your body. On the inhale, raise your seat, your lower back and your middle back upwards, raising up on your toe tips. Take a yoga block and place it on its highest level under your sacrum (a flat bone that?s located right under your lower spine.) Place the soles of your feet back on the floor and interlace your fingers on the floor behind the block. Breathe for as long as you need to. You should feel a wonderful sense of release from this pose.
Poses for anxiety and irritability:
Child?s Pose
The child’s pose focuses the breath on the organ systems in the abdomen and pelvis, which helps massage and tone them. The gentle inversion of head, neck, and torso relaxes the back muscles and eases the lower back pain.
Kneel with your buttocks resting on your heels. Bend at the hips and let your torso relax on your thighs and your forehead rest on the floor. Relax your arms and hands on the floor beside you with the palms up and the fingers pointing toward your feet. Stay for ten breaths.
Upward Facing Dog ? Urdva Mukha Svanasana
This pose is a backbend; it tones the abdominal organs. By raising the energy up, it also has a tendency to improve the mood.
Begin with arms bent at the elbows next to your chest, fingers pointing forward, elbows in. On an inhalation, rise up from the forehead, nose, and chin, continuing the stretch through your neck, upper torso, and lower torso until your entire pelvic basin is tilting upward and your thighs are poff the floor. Straighten the arms, broadening your shoulders down and away from the ears, stretching and curving your spine. Your weight is supported on the tops of your feet and your hands.
Poses for Bloating
Modified Wide Angle - boddhakonasana
The modified wide-angle pose reverses the effects of bloating and fluid retention in the legs and feet.
Lie on your back with your pelvis against a wall, your legs extended up the wall, and your arms resting at your sides. Open your legs into a V on the wall. Breathe easily, holding the position for 20 deep breaths.
Shoulderstand, headstand and handstand and plough pose tend to improve the mood as well. However, you should avoid practicing these inverted poses when menstruating.
Now give yourself an extra long Savasana (final relaxation pose.)
Lie on your back with your arms at your sides, palms facing up, and your feet a comfortable distance apart. Close your eyes and relax. Allow the floor to support you.
After the relaxation, meditate for a few minutes. Maybe you saved yourself a trip to GoDiva.
Anastasia Dorohova is a certified yoga teacher and a holistic health counselor,regisitered with the American Association of Drugless Practitioners. Anastasia teaches private and group yoga classes and helps her clients with their nutriion and overall sense of well-beling. http://www.steadybliss.com
Many women experience chocolate and sugar cravings before periods. Chocolate contains magnesium, a mineral that decreases menstrual cramping and helps normalize glucose metabolism. Magnesium is also found in bananas, dried apricots and almonds, so keep that in mind when the next PMS hits.
Poses for sugar cravings:
Bow Pose ? Dhanurasana
The bow stretches and tones the ovaries, uterus, and abdominal organs. It increases the overall energy and improves the mood.
Lay face down on the floor. Bend your knees, grab a hold of the outsides of your ankles and on the inhale come up, arching your back and trying to reach the top of your head and your feet up towards the sky and towards each other. Keep drawing your feet towards each other, eventually drawing your knees together. Hold for five to ten breaths.
Modified Bridge Pose
Modified bridge pose rejuvenates and tones the reproductive organs as well as the abdominal organs, relieving carbohydrate cravings.
Lay down on your back, with the knees bent, soles of the feet hip width apart on the floor, as close as possible to your body. Arms are extended next to your body. On the inhale, raise your seat, your lower back and your middle back upwards, raising up on your toe tips. Take a yoga block and place it on its highest level under your sacrum (a flat bone that?s located right under your lower spine.) Place the soles of your feet back on the floor and interlace your fingers on the floor behind the block. Breathe for as long as you need to. You should feel a wonderful sense of release from this pose.
Poses for anxiety and irritability:
Child?s Pose
The child’s pose focuses the breath on the organ systems in the abdomen and pelvis, which helps massage and tone them. The gentle inversion of head, neck, and torso relaxes the back muscles and eases the lower back pain.
Kneel with your buttocks resting on your heels. Bend at the hips and let your torso relax on your thighs and your forehead rest on the floor. Relax your arms and hands on the floor beside you with the palms up and the fingers pointing toward your feet. Stay for ten breaths.
Upward Facing Dog ? Urdva Mukha Svanasana
This pose is a backbend; it tones the abdominal organs. By raising the energy up, it also has a tendency to improve the mood.
Begin with arms bent at the elbows next to your chest, fingers pointing forward, elbows in. On an inhalation, rise up from the forehead, nose, and chin, continuing the stretch through your neck, upper torso, and lower torso until your entire pelvic basin is tilting upward and your thighs are poff the floor. Straighten the arms, broadening your shoulders down and away from the ears, stretching and curving your spine. Your weight is supported on the tops of your feet and your hands.
Poses for Bloating
Modified Wide Angle - boddhakonasana
The modified wide-angle pose reverses the effects of bloating and fluid retention in the legs and feet.
Lie on your back with your pelvis against a wall, your legs extended up the wall, and your arms resting at your sides. Open your legs into a V on the wall. Breathe easily, holding the position for 20 deep breaths.
Shoulderstand, headstand and handstand and plough pose tend to improve the mood as well. However, you should avoid practicing these inverted poses when menstruating.
Now give yourself an extra long Savasana (final relaxation pose.)
Lie on your back with your arms at your sides, palms facing up, and your feet a comfortable distance apart. Close your eyes and relax. Allow the floor to support you.
After the relaxation, meditate for a few minutes. Maybe you saved yourself a trip to GoDiva.
Anastasia Dorohova is a certified yoga teacher and a holistic health counselor,regisitered with the American Association of Drugless Practitioners. Anastasia teaches private and group yoga classes and helps her clients with their nutriion and overall sense of well-beling. http://www.steadybliss.com
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