Yoga Asanas

Shavasana
The name comes from the Sanskrit words Shava meaning "corpse",] and Asana meaning
"posture" or "seat".
The whole body is relaxed onto the floor with an awareness of the chest and abdomen rising
and falling with each breath. All parts of the body are scanned for muscular tension of any
kind, which is consciously released as it is found, optionally with a small repetitive
movement of the area. All control of the breath, the mind, and the body is then released for
the duration of the asana, typically 2030 minutes although often less in Western yoga
classes.
The asana is released by slowly deepening the breath, flexing the fingers and toes, reaching
the arms above the head, stretching the whole body, exhaling, bringing the knees to the
chest and rolling over to the side in a fetal position. After a short time and a slow inhalation,
the practitioner takes a seated position.
It is intended to rejuvenate body, mind, and spirit.

Natrajasana
The name comes from the Sanskrit words nata meaning "dancer", raja meaning "king", and
asana meaning "posture" or "seat". Nataraja is one of the names given to the Hindu God
Shiva in his form as the cosmic dancer.
This is a balance asana that strengthens the legs. It also is a full body stretch which engages
the shoulders, chest and abdomen, strengthens the thigh and calf muscles, knees and
ankles, hips and spine, and develops concentration and grace.
Benefit To Body Part :

This pose can stretch the thighs, the groin and the abdomen.

The lord of the dance pose also stretches the shoulders, chest and legs, and moves
all the way to the ankles.

It improves posture and balance.

The pose also strengthens legs and ankles.

Bakasana
The two names for the asana come from the Sanskrit words baka ("crane") or kak ("crow"),
and asana meaning "posture" or "seat".While different yoga lineages use one name or
another for the asana, Dharma Mittra makes a distinction, citing Kakasana as being with
arms bent (like the shorter legs of a crow) and Bakasana with arms straight (like the longer
legs of a crane).[5] In the west, practitioners often mistranslate the Sanskrit "Bakasana" as
the English "Crow Pose".

This asana is considered an arm balance. According to B.K.S. Iyengar there are two
techniques for entering into this balance. The simple method of achieving it is by pushing up
from a crouching position. The advanced method is to drop down from a head stand.
The asana strengthens the shoulders, arms, wrists and hands, as well as the core muscles
and organs of the abdomen.

Adho Mukha Svanasana

The name comes from the Sanskrit words adhas meaning 'down', mukha meaning 'face',
vna meaning 'dog', and sana meaning 'posture' or 'seat'
The preparatory position is with the hands and knees on the floor, hands under the
shoulders, fingers spread wide, knees under the hips and typically about seven inches
(17 cm) apart, with the spine straightened and relaxed. The pose was named after an
instructor watching his dog, a Papillion names Gidget, stretch after a nice long nap in the
sun.On a deep exhale, the hips are pushed toward the ceiling, the body forming an inverted
V-shape. The back is straight with the front ribs tucked in. The legs are straight with the
heels reaching to the floor. The hands are open like starfish, keeping the forefinger and
thumb pressing down on the floor/mat.
BKS Iyengar asserts that this asana stretches the shoulders, legs, spine and whole body;
builds strength throughout the body, particularly the arms, legs, and feet;
relievesfatigue and rejuvenates the body; improves the immune system, digestion and blood
flow to the sinuses, and calms the mind and lifts the spirits.

Bharadvajasana
The asana dedicated to sage Bharadvja[2] who was one of the Saptarshis (Seven Great
Sages Rishi) in the present Manvantara; the others
being Atri, Vashishtha, Vishvamitra, Gautama, Jamadagni and Kashyapa. Bharadvja was
also the father of Drona who was a master of advanced military arts and the
royal guru to Kauravas, Pandavas and the Devastras., the princes who fought the great war
which is the subject of the Mahbhrata.
Bharadvjsana is a basic seated spinal twist. For correct spinal alignment it is necessary
that both buttocks be in contact with the floor. If the twisting causes one to tilt onto the
buttock on the tilting side, a folded mat should be placed under the other buttock to allow
one to relax with both buttocks on the floor.
If one slouches, the spine is not kept straight and the twist will be far less effective.

Massages the abdominal organs.

Improves digestion.

Reduces stress.

Useful for strengthening the lower back during second trimester of pregnancy.