SYMBOL OF YOGA

Articles In This Section:

· BASICS OF ASANAS

· SETTING A TIME FOR YOGA

· %DEATH POSE IN YOGA

· RAISED LEGS POSTURE IN YOGA

· SIMPLE POSE IN YOGA

· PERFECT POSE IN YOGA

· BUDDHA POSE IN YOGA

· DIFFICULT POSTURES IN YOGA

· REVERSE POSTURE IN YOGA

· SUPINE POSE IN YOGA

· SHOULDER STAND IN YOGA

· ENTIRE BODY STRETCH IN YOGA

· STANDING POSITION IN YOGA

· STOMACH LIFT IN YOGA

· ABDOMINAL EXERCISE IN YOGA

· ARDJA-MATSYENDRASANA POSE IN YOGA

· TWISTING POSTURE POSE IN YOGA

· BOIV POSTURE IN YOGA

· COBRA POSE IN YOGA

· POSTERIOR STRETCH IN YOGA

· PLOUGH POSE IN YOGA

· HALASANA POSE IN YOGA

· HEADSTAND FOR YOGA GETTING READY

· NEXT STEP IN THE HEADSTAND POSE FOR YOGA

· HEADSTAND POSE FOR YOGA

· FINAL STEP FOR THE HEADSTAND POSE IN YOGA

Therapeutic Value: This exercise, which really requires very little effort, is particularly beneficial because it reverses and increases the flow of blood to the head and respiratory organs. Hence it is excellent for helping cure colds and tonsilitis. It is also known as a great boon to those who wish to restore their youth and vitality, for it helps keep the endocrine glands and internal organs, as well as the skin, in youthful shape. Indian women practice it to prevent early wrinkles and general aging, and also to prevent and cure irregular or painful menstruation and the mental and physical discomforts of menopause. Men, too, find it beneficial, since it is one of the important ways to keep the gonads functioning properly.

7. Yoga Mtjdra, or Symbol of Yoga, is another posture which, while not an exercise, is considered of great spiritual value. On the other hand it also has definite physical benefits, since it promotes good elimination and so helps the system stay clean. It may be practiced between any two more strenuous poses.

Method: Sit as for the Lotus Pose, or simply tailor fashion. Now clench your fists and place them on either side of the abdomen, slightly below the navel. Take a deep breath, then bend forward as far as possible while exhaling. Continue firmly to press the fists against the abdomen. Hold this pose for five to ten seconds, retaining your breath. Now start slowly exhaling, sit up and turn to the original posture. Gradually increase the time until the Mudra takes three minutes, being careful not to add more than a second or two per week to your time. Otherwise holding the breath too long may be harmful. (The classical manner of doing this Mudra is in the Lotus Pose, with the hands behind the back, left fist clenched and right hand grasping the left wrist).