The word “Yoga” is sure to bring images of people straining themselves in serpentine coils to some of us out there. But Yoga is beyond just those kinds of serpentine coils. Yoga is like any other form of art, which essentially teaches one to attain a sense of calmness in any given situation. Yoga is something which can be practiced for both good health and for relaxation. This ancient art form not only brings our body in our control but also helps us to bring our mind to shape. Hence, even science is recommending that you practice yoga for healthy mind and body.
The word Yoga has its roots from the Sanskrit word “Yuj” which roughly translates to bringing the universal and individual consciousness together. Probing deeper into the real world of Vedas – the ancient Hindu scriptures, one can see that Yoga is just not about asanas or poses, it is also about approaching life holistically, concentrating on social ethics, personal ethics being one with the universe to name a few.
Top 5 Yoga Asanas for Good Health
Be it for bringing a sense of much needed peace in this fast-paced world of ours, or to de-stress yourself after a hectic day at work or to tone down your body and bring down that extra flab, Yoga is a one stop solution with answers to all your problems. Getting started with the basic poses of Yoga needs no big determination and physical flexibility. Here are our top 5 picks in yoga for health and fitness.
Vajrasana – Also known as Pelvis Pose, Thunderbolt Pose or Diamond Pose
If you are looking at Yoga for healthy weight reduction options, then it is recommended to go with Vajrasana. It helps in increasing your blood supply to digestive organs like stomach, liver and lower abdomen thus resulting in a perfectly working digestive system. Vajrasana essentially requires you to kneel and sit on your knees, with your hips resting on your heels. This asana also comes to the rescue of pregnant woman since this increases the spine, pelvic and uterine strength.
Padma Asana – The Lotus Pose
With enormous significance in both Hindu and Buddhist traditions, Padma Asana in one in which the feet are placed in opposite thighs. The significance of this asana lies in its name – Padma means Lotus and performing this asana regularly helps in overall blooming of one’s self just like how a Lotus blooms. In addition to being a wonderful relaxant it also aids pregnant woman and prepares them for childbirth. Padmasana brings blood pressure in control and aids digestion to a greater extent – the precise reason why Indians and Japanese prefer to eat their food sitting this way.
Kapalbhati Pranayama – The Breathing Technique
Looking for that awesome natural glow? Then Pranayama or the breathing exercise is precisely what you should go for. It is all about detoxifying by forcefully exhaling with considerable contraction of your abdominal muscles. In this yoga, the rate of exhalation is higher than that of the inhalation. This indirectly increases the rate of metabolism and muscle activity. In addition to a trim belly, the increased blood circulation adds a radiant glow to your face. Pranayama is also suggested for decreasing weight as it increases the rate of metabolism.
Adho Mukha Svanasana – The Downward Dog Pose
An awesome workout for the entire body stretching each part of the body is the Adho Mukha Svanasana or the downward dog pose. Being widely practiced all over the world this is one asana which stretches shoulders, hamstrings, calves, arches and hands thus strengthening the limbs and hands and helps prevent osteoporosis.
Setu Bandhasana – The Bridge Pose
Considering how much the lower part of your body is important for your frame, the Setu bandhasana is a pose that provides excellent support for spinal fitness. It can be a great remedy if you suffer from lower back pains. Nonetheless, it is a great workout for your core. It improves your balance, and stimulates your endocrine and nervous systems.
Bhujangasana – The Snake Pose
This is again one of the easier asanas where in you lie down on your belly, keeping your hands and legs stretched and then slowly raising the upper half of your body as your inhale and go back to the original position as you exhale. It provides great strength to your spinal cord and also strengthens the muscles in your limbs.
Shavasana – The Corpse Pose
The easiest of all the Yoga Asanas is the Shavasana. All that you need to do is lie down on a flat surface with both feet and hand apart. Take care to keep your head and spine in a straight line. Now unwind and relax, taking in slow and rhythmic breaths. The ultimate stress buster and believe me or not, this simple yet powerful asana cures one of asthma, depression, neurological problems, insomnia, diabetes and the list goes on.
A good news is that you can now start practicing this wonderful art at your home in your convenient time, with the aid of some of the best yoga apps that are available on play store these days to help you inculcate in your lifestyle, yoga for good health and relaxation.
So, what are you waiting for? Pick your Yoga mat and pants and start Yoga-ing now!
[su_note note_color=”#efefef”]Further Reading: Are You Getting the Best Out of Your Yoga Practice?[/su_note]
