The term 'brahmari' is derived from the word 'bramar' in Sanskrit. Bramar means bee. Since this breathing practice involves sounding like a bee, the technique is called thus. Though there are different types of pranayama, Brahmari Pranayama is unique. Nitric acid produced naturally by the human body is highly essential for health. Various cells of the body produces nitric acid. Nitric acid helps to boost immunity, promote lung health,
‘Ustra’ in Sanskrit means ‘camel’. Camels are called ships of the desert for a reason. Not only they travel from one end of the desert to another, they can easily carry more than a couple of hundred kilograms on their backs while walking. Their lungs are so strong that they are able to comfortably handle such walking. Performing Camel Pose stretches the chest and improves lungs’ elasticity and
Yogamudra is the practice of mudra while in asana. Psychic Union Pose as Yogamudra is called in English, regulates flow of psychic energy. It also acts as a channel to communicate the activities of the brain that correspond with outer organs to respective organs.
‘Parvata’ in Sanskrit means ‘mountain’. It is believed to have acquired the name as the body resembles the shape of mountain while in the pose. Downward Facing Dog Pose is also called Parvatasana. The spine gets strengthened and stable and the body gets strong with regular practice of Seated Mountain Pose.
Reverse Table Top Pose is called Ardha Purvottanasana in Sanskrit. ‘Ardha’ means ‘half, ‘purva’ means ‘east’, ‘uth’ means ‘intense’ and ‘taan’ means ‘to stretch’. That is, intense stretch of east side.
A very simple pose to look at, Staff Pose is an excellent pose for strengthening the back. ‘Dandu’ in Sanskrit means ‘staff’ and ‘spine’. Staff Pose stretches the spine and also aids in proper breathing. The pose helps to focus on the flow of prana throughout the body.
‘Ardha’ in Sanskrit means ‘half’, ‘matsya’ means ‘fish’, ‘indira’ means ‘king’ and hence, the pose is called Half Lord of the Fishes Pose and also is referred to as Half Spinal Twist named after the twist involved in the pose. It is also believed that the pose is named after a yogi called Matsyendrar.
Janu’ in Sanskrit means ‘knee’, ‘sirasa’ means ‘head’, that is, placing the head on knee. Technically, it is one legged Seated Forward Bend.
‘Vakra’ in Sanskrit means ‘twisted’. The pose is performed by twisting the spine in both ways. Hence, the flexibility of spine is increased and tightness is reduced. Twisting also strengthens the hips and improves function of digestive system.
In an earlier post, we have given the benefits of Thunderbolt Pose and instructions on how to perform it. Thunderbolt Pose, as mentioned earlier, strengthens your body. Supine Thunderbolt Pose is a supine pose in which your legs are as in Hero Pose. ‘Supta’ in Sanskrit means ‘supine’ and Supta Vajrasana is Lying Thunderbolt Pose.
The very name of the pose is suggestive of courage. Shivering of hands and legs and becoming anxious are associated with fear. The reaction would be anger followed by various other issues. All these are owing to the fact that we consider ourselves weak. Hero Pose makes you fearless and gives you a sense of courage.
The poses done so far are effective in strengthening certain parts of the body. High Plank Pose strengthens the whole body. High Plank Pose is called Kumbhakasana in Sanskrit. Though ‘kumbhaka’ is generally said to mean ‘breath retention’, it also means ‘pot’, which here refers to the human torso. This pose promotes flow of blood and life force
Wind Relieving Pose can be performed as a counter pose for Bow Pose. Ancient Siddhars have mentioned that there are 4448 diseases that can affect a human body.
Turmeric has a special place in kitchen cabinet. Ever since the rise of corona, turmeric has become an even more sought after ingredient and a compulsory addition in almost everything that one consumes.
Bow Pose can be performed as a counter pose for Cow Pose. The pose is performed lying down. It strengthens the spine and improves spine flexibility.
Cow Pose is a counter pose to Cat Pose and also can be done as a sequence. ‘Bitila’ in Sanskrit means ‘cow’. The pose resembles the shape of a cow. Cat Cow Poses produce effective results when performed as a sequence. The bending and lifting of back improves spine flexibility and rejuvenates
The Sanskrit term ‘marjari’ means ‘cat’. The pose resembles the relaxed stretching of a cat and hence the name. The pose, though simple, has immense benefits. Cat Pose balances the body and mind,
Seated Forward Bend can be performed as a counter pose for both Cobra Pose and Sphinx Pose. ‘Paschima’ in Sanskrit means ‘west’ and ‘uttana’ means ‘intensive stretching’ - stretching the back of the body, that is bending the front part of the body in a seated position. In this pose, the backside of the body, in particular the spine, is stretched forward. This stimulates
Sphinx Pose can be performed as a counter pose to Child Pose. Just like Child Pose is a baby’s lying position, Sphinx Pose resembles a baby holding the weight of its upper body in both hands while lying. The term ‘salambha’ in Sanskrit means ‘support’, ‘bhujanga’ means ‘snake’. This is generally considered as a half striking pose of a snake.
The term ‘bala’ in Sanskrit means ‘baby’. The pose gets its name owing to the resemblance of the face-down lying position of a child. Why do babies lie face down?
