A yoga pose gets complete when you perform a counter pose. A forward bend is followed with a backward bend to optimize the benefits to hips. The poses performed so far are forward bends. Now, we will see the counter poses for the first five forward bends. Today's pose is a beginner yoga pose with amazing health benefits.
The first standing posture we are about to see is Mountain Pose. This is counter pose for Lotus Pose. In Lotus Pose, the legs are crossed and blood circulation to head increases. Performing Mountain Pose after Lotus Pose enables flow of blood to legs.
Mountain Pose, the standing yoga pose, is called Tadasana in Sanskrit. ‘Tada’ means ‘mountain’. In this pose, blood flow to legs is increased thereby enabling smooth flow of blood throughout the body.
Visit this page for Lotus Pose benefits and instructions on how to do Lotus Pose.
Benefits of Mountain Pose
- Mountain Pose helps to maintain the balance of the body
- Practicing this pose helps with posture improvement.
- It is an effective yoga pose for sciatic pain
- The pose strengthens the legs
- The pose helps to reduce arthritic pain
- It improves focus.
- It promotes calm
Step-by-Step Guide
Let us see how to do Mountain Pose.
- Stand straight with your feet close to each other.
- Let the hands be slightly away from the body on the sides. Keep your fingers stretched. Alternately, you can bring your hands over your heads, bring the palms together keeping the elbows straight.
- The weight of the body should be evenly distributed in your feet.
- Relax your body and face. Keep your tongue relaxed as well.
- Relax your eyes and look straight.
- Visualize flow of energy throughout your body.
- Perform the pose for 20 seconds to begin with and gradually increase the duration to hold the pose for one minute.
- Breathe normally.
- Release the pose and return to normal standing position.
Note
Those with headache, low blood pressure and insomnia should refrain from practicing the pose.