Professional Documents
Culture Documents
chapter 3 Yoga Chapter
chapter 3 Yoga Chapter
Key Points:-
1. Obesity: Procedure, Benefits & Contraindications for Tadasana,
Katichakrasana, Pavanmuktasana, Matsayasana, Halasana, Pachimottansana,
Ardha – Matsyendrasana, Dhanurasana, Ushtrasana, Suryabedhan
pranayama.
2. Diabetes: Procedure, Benefits & Contraindications for Katichakrasana,
Pavanmuktasana, Bhujangasana, Shalabhasana, Dhanurasana, Supta-
vajarasana, Paschimottanasana, Ardha-Mastendrasana, Mandukasana,
Gomukasana, Yogmudra, Ushtrasana, Kapalabhati.
3. Asthma: Procedure, Benefits & Contraindications for Tadasana,
Urdhwahastottansana, UttanMandukasana, Bhujangasana, Dhanurasana,
Ushtrasana, Vakrasana, Kapalbhati, Gomukhasana Matsyaasana, Anuloma-
Viloma.
4. Hypertension: Procedure, Benefits & Contraindications for Tadasana,
Katichakransan, Uttanpadasana, Ardha Halasana, Sarala Matyasana,
Gomukhasana, UttanMandukasana, Vakrasana, Bhujangasana, Makarasana,
Shavasana, Nadi- shodhanapranayam, Sitlipranayam.
5. Back Pain and Arthritis: Procedure, Benefits & Contraindications of
Tadasan, Urdhawahastootansana, Ardh-Chakrasana, Ushtrasana, Vakrasana,
Sarala Maysyendrsana, Bhujangasana, Gomukhasana, Bhadrasana,
Makarasana, Nadi-Shodhana pranayama.
Meaning of yoga:-
The origin of the word 'Yoga' is from Sanskrit word 'Yuj' which means 'to join'.
function normalizes
Attention improves
Endocrine function Totalcholesterol decreases.
improve
Sleepimproves
Immunity increases
Pain decreases
Integrated functioning of
body parents improves
Now A days obesity has become a problem for the whole world obesity is a
condition in which the amount of fat in the body increase to a very large extent. If a
person is having BMI 30 he/she would be considered as obese. In other words, we
can say obesity is when a person’s weight is 20% or more than the ideal weight.
Symptoms:-
Causes:-
𝑊𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 in Kg 𝑊𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 in Kg
Methods to calculate BMI = or =
(𝐻𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟) 2 𝐻𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 × 𝐻𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡
1) Tadasana 6) Pachimottansana
2) Katichakrasana 7) Ardha – Matsyendrasana,
3) Pavanmuktasana 8) Dhanurasana
4) Matsayasana 9) Ushtrasana
5) Halasana 10) Suryabedhan pranayama.
Procedure :
Benefits :
Beneficial for spine and back pain
It increases flexibility
Improve body posture and height
Beneficial for digestive, nervous and respiratory system
Beneficial for hypertension and high blood pressure
Contraindications:-
2) Katichakrasana
Kati chakrasana consists of two words: Kati and Chakra.
Here ‘Kati’ means ‘waist’ and ‘chakra’ means ‘wheel’.
Thus, Kati Chakrasana is a waist rotating, standing yoga posture.
In this pose, a practitioner has to twist the waist right and left, respectively.
Procedure :
Stand straight on the ground with both feet one foot apart.
Both the arms should be outstretched in front of the chest.
Palms should be facing each other while inhaling.
Benefits :
It tones up the waist, hips, neck and shoulders and makes these organs more
flexible.
It strengthens the waist muscles.
It helps in reducing stress.
It helps in relieving constipation.
It burns extra calories and fats and finally helps in reducing body weight.
It is helpful for back stiffness and corrects various postural deformities.
Contraindications:-
KATICHAKRASANA
3) Pavanmuktasana :
Pre Stage: Lie flat on your back and keep the legs straight.
Procedure :
Inhale slowly and lift the legs and bend the knees.
Bring knee upwards to the chest till your thigh touches the stomach.
Hug your knees and lock your fingers,
Benefits :
Strengthen the back and abdominal muscle, leg and hip.
Intestine gets massaged; also bring fresh blood to lower abdomen.
Helps in spondylitis.
Remove excess fat around the lower abdomen.
Release excess heat, toxins from organs and tissues.
Contraindications:
Avoid while suffering from severe back or neck pain.
Avoid this pose completely, if having slip disc problem.
Those with internal organs issues may find this pose difficult and painful.
It should be avoided while pregnancy.
4) Matsyasana.
If this asana is performed in water body can float easily thats why it is called
matsyasan.
Procedure :
Sit in Padmasana pose.
Take support of your elbow and lie on your back bend your neck with support
of your hands, and try to touch your fore head to the ground.
Hold toes of the feet firmly with both hands and touch the ground with the
elbows.
Stretch the stomach as up as possible.
Contraindication:
5) Halasana
Halasana means ‘plough’.
It involves lying on your back and placing your feet on the floor behind your
head.
In fact, in the final position of this pose, your body resembles the shape of a
plough.
Procedure :
Lie on your back with your arms beside you.
Palms should be downwards. Keeping the knees straight, raise your legs up to
90° keeping them vertical and straight.
With the help of your hands, raise the trunk and lower the legs over the head.
Your toes should touch the ground. Push your legs slightly beyond the head.
Arms should be straight in the beginning position.
Hold this position for 1 or 2 minutes according to your capacity.
After that, lower your back, buttocks and legs slowly to the ground as in the
starting position.
Yoga as Preventive measure for Lifestyle Disease Page 8
Benefit :
It clams down the nervous system, reduces stress and tension.
It tones the legs and improves flexibility.
It stimulates the thyroid gland and strengthens the immune system.
It helps in increasing height of children.
It helps to manage diabetes
It improves blood circulation.
It helps in reducing/preventing obesity.
Contraindication:
Avoid this asana if you have any injury in your neck or suffering from high
blood pressure.
Women should avoid this asana during pregnancy.
Avoid it in case of sciatica problems.
Avoid it in case of slipped discs.
6) Paschimottanasana :
Procedure :
Sit down with your legs stretching straight in front of you.
Keep your head, neck and spine erect and stretch hands upwards with a deep
breath.
Now, exhale and bend your head and trunk slowly forward to catch the toes
with the thumb.
Try to touch head, chest and stomach to the legs and elbows to the floor.
Benefits :
It improves digestive system and much blocked gas get released.
Improves the respiratory system.
Improve the alignment of the vertebral column.
Helps as a therapy for diabetic patient, with weak lever and kidney.
Benefits women during menstrual disorder.
Procedure :
Sit and keep both legs straight.
Bending the knee of right feet and put right heel below the left hip.
Bend left leg and placed the left foot to the right side of the right knee.
Keep Left knee closed to the chest.
Exhale from the right nostril and turns towards the left, and touches the toe of
left leg from the right hand.
Body and head moves towards the left.
Repeat while changing the position of legs.
Benefits :
Helps nervous system and strengthen the back bone, stretching improves
flexibility and tones of muscles.
Controls menstrual cycle in women and brings shine on face.
Also controls secretion from pancreases gland.
Reduces fat and helps in controlling obesity.
This pose flexes the lower part of the body making the hip stronger and
toned.
Releases excess heat toxins from organs and tissues.
8) Dhanurasana
Dhanurasana is a Sanskrit word that means ‘bow pose’ in English.
Dhanurasana is named so because it looks like an archer’s bow.
This pose requires a bit of balancing ability.
Procedure :
Lie down flat on your stomach and place your hands parallel to your torso,
with palms facing upward.
Inhale deeply and lift your feet off the ground, bending your legs at the knees.
Simultaneously, lift your hands off the ground and hold your ankles gently.
Raise your thighs, head and chest as high as you can.
Stretch and bring the toes or ankles towards your head.
Look upward and hold this pose for at least 15 seconds.
Then exhale and release the pose.
Lower your head, chest, thighs and feet back towards the ground.
Relax for few seconds and then repeat the pose
Benefits :
It strengthens the back and abdominal muscles and improves the digestive
process.
It improves the strength of your thighs, chest, neck and shoulders.
It alleviates neck strain and helps to cure neck pain.
It alleviates stress and fatigue.
It relieves menstrual discomfort and constipation.
It helps to reduce excess fats around the belly, waist and hips.
9) Ushtrasana
‘Ustrasana’ is a Sanskrit word which is composed of two words ‘ustra’ and
‘asana’ which mean ‘camel’ and ‘pose’, respectively.
This asana is understood to help open the heart chakra (Anahata Chakra).
Procedure :
Kneel on your knees on the ground, with your legs hip-width apart.
Place your hands on your hip.
Your knees should be in line with shoulders and sole of your feet should be
facing the ceiling.
While inhaling, bend backward, place the right palm on the right heel and left
palm on the left heel and exhale.
Do not strain your neck but keep it in a neutral position.
In the final position, your thighs will be in vertical position to the ground and
head tilted backwards.
Body weight should be evenly distributed on your arms and legs.
Remain in this posture for 30 to 60 seconds.
Breathe out and slowly come back to the starting position.
Benefits :
It helps to strengthen your back muscles, buttocks and back of thighs.
It is beneficial in relieving back and neck pain.
It is also helpful in reducing fats over the abdomen and hips.
It is also helpful in various digestive problems and cardio-respiratory
disorders.
2. Diabetes:-
Diabetes is commonly known as metabolic disorder characterized by high
blood sugar level over a prolonged period.
Diabetes is due to either the pancreas not producing enough insulin or the cell of
the bodynot responding properly to the insulin produced.
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder in which the level of sugar in the blood rises
from its normal reference value.
Symptoms of Diabetes:-
Fatigue
Increased Thirst
Increased Hungers
Blurred Vision
Kidney Failure
Cardio vascular Disease
Loss of Weight
Frequent Urination
Causes of Diabetes
Drinking a lot of cold drinks
Disease
Over weight
Obesity
Stress & Tension
Genetic factor
Sedentary lifestyle
Smoking and alcohol
Less physical activity
Taking lot of sweets
Yoga as Preventive measure for Lifestyle Disease Page 14
Types of Diabetes:
(a) Type I Diabetes: In that type of diabetes blood sugar level rises very high due to non-
secretion of insulin hormone by pancreas. In that of diabetes effected person has to take
artificial insulin through injection.
(b)Type II Diabetes: In that type of diabetes blood sugar level rises but not as such as
high in type I diabetes. In that type of diabetes our pancreas secreting the insulin
hormone but it may be insufficient to control the blood sugar level normal or body cell
are not able to respond insulin properly.
Some asana are recommended for the diabetes here as under:-
1) Katichakrasana 6) Supta-vajarasana 11) Yogmudra
2) Pavanmuktasana 7) Paschimottanasana 12) Ushtrasana
3) Bhujangasana 8) Ardha-Mastendrasana 13) Kapalabhati
4) Shalabhasana 9) Mandukasana
5) Dhanurasana 10) Gomukasana
1) Katichakrasana :- It is already mention in above
2) Pavanmuktasana:- It is already mention in above
3) Bhujangasana : (Cobraposition)
Procedure :
Lie down on your stomach.
Joint the legs and stretch as much as possible.
Place the palm near the chest facing the ground.
Take a deep Breath and lift your upper body upwards.
Elbow should be slightly, touch the ground, weight should be on pelvic region
Move your head and neck backwards as much as possible. Exhale and slightly
bring the body in starting position.
Benefits :
By doing this, digestion improve.
A sluggish liver is also taken care of
Thyroid gland improves.
Kidney function improves.
Tones the ovaries which help to remove
any disorder in connection with uterus.
Therapeutic benefits:
Relieves back ache, neck pain, stress, purifies blood, relieves constipations and addresses
gynecological disorder.
Contraindications :
Avoid if spinal problem
Avoid if neck problem
Do not do if having ulcer
Pregnant women should avoid.
Avoid if having asthma
Contraindications:-
In case of weak spine and any type of injury avoid this asana
In case of weak heart, high blood pressure and coronary problem avoid this
asana
If suffering from hernia then also avoid this asana
Contraindications:
P r e g n a n t w o m e n s h o u l d
avoid the practice of this
asana.
Those who are suffering from
sciatica, neck and knee
problems, slipped disc, etc.,
should not practice this
asana.
You should not do this asana
if you are suffering from
ulcer or hernia.
7) Paschimottanasana :- It is already mention in above
8) Ardha-Mastendrasana :- It is already mention in above
9) Mandukasana:-
Mandukasana consists of two words, i.e., “manduk” and ‘asana’.
Here, manduk means ‘frog’ and asana means ‘pose’.
Contraindications
Avoid this asana if you are
suffering from severe
backache, ulcers, knee pain
and ankle injuries.
Avoid its practice in case of
insomnia and migraine.
Avoid it if you have
undertaken surgery around
the abdomen.
10) Gomukhasana :-
This asana gets its name because while doing this asana body resembles a cow
face pose.
In English it is called the cow face pose.
Procedure :
Sit in Sukhasana or Dandasana pose.
Place the ankle of left leg near right but under the anus.
Place the right leg over the left leg so that knees should place over left knee.
Benefits :
Helps in curing Asthma, reduce weight makes body flexible and attractive.
It helps to make spine strong and erect.
Helps to make abdominal organ function well.
Helps to reduce obesity.
Diaphragm improves and keep away from all kinds of intoxication.
Upper body becomes flexible and strong.
It helps to circulate blood to the entire body.
Contraindications :
Person having stiff shoulder should
avoid this.
Any kind of hip problem or knee,
hamstring and quadriceps should
be avoided.
If one has to sciatica problem, one
should avoid this pose.
Avoid if any neck or shoulder
injury.
Avoid performing or practicing during pregnancy.
11) Yogmudra:-
Yogmudra asana is one of the best anti-aging poses as it helps the practitioner to
look and feel younger.
It is a combination of three words: Yoga, mudra and asana.
Here, yoga means ‘awareness’, mudra means ‘seal’ and asana means “pose or
posture’.
This asana is seen as a symbol that represents, a “seal of awareness” That is why
it is also known as “Yoga seal pose”
Procedure:
Sit in Padmasana pose on the floor.
Keep your eyes closed while doing this asana.
Take a deep breath and bring your hands behind the back and hold the left wrist
with the right hand.
Then start bending forward and try to touch the floor in front of you with the
forehead or the nose.
Exhale while bending forward.
Your spine should be kept straight.
Focus on relaxing your whole body.
Remain in this position as long as you can.
Yoga as Preventive measure for Lifestyle Disease Page 19
Then return slowly to the starting position.
Practice this asana 3 to 4 times
Benefits
It makes the body strong and the will power
is increased.
It helps to strengthen the digestive organs.
It helps to get rid of dysentery and stomach
pain.
The hip and stomach get the most proper
shape with this asana.
It helps to bring enhanced flexibility to
spine, back and the hips.
It helps to activate Manipura chakra which
can improve overall energy levels of the
body.
It helps to relieve constipation.
It improves body’s flexibility and mobility.
It reduces diabetes, hypertension, asthma and cardiac diseases.
It can also treat lower back pain, sciatica pain and shoulder disorders.
Contraindications
Do not overstretch or overbend your body if it causes you pain.
Pregnant women should avoid the practice of this asana.
Avoid the practice of this asana if you are suffering from severe hip and knee
problems.
If you have chronic heart problems, you should not practice this asana.
Do not practise this asana if you have low blood pressure.
12) Ushtrasana:- It is already mention in above
13) Kapalabhati
The word kapalabhati is derived from Sanskrit.
Kapal means ‘forehead’ and bhati means ‘shining’.
Thus, kapalabhati refers to shining face with inner radiance.
It is highly energising abdominal breathing exercise.
In this pranayama, quick exhalation and normal inhalation are performed which
follow each other.
Procedure
Sit in a cross-legged position with back straight.
Let your hands rest on knees.
Relax your body and mind.
Slowly and deeply inhale through both nostrils while expanding abdomen.
Exhale through nose while pulling the abdomen in.
Again inhale effortlessly.
Just relax and the lungs will automatically be filled with air.
Having performed 10 to 15 quick exhalation and natural inhalation, inhale and
exhale deeply.
Symptoms of Asthma:-
Coughing,
Heavy breathing.
Chest tightness caused by dust
Early fatigue,
Pain in hands, feet, shoulders and back.
Animal skin
Cause of Asthma:-
Pollution
Smoking
Dust and fumes
Sometime any allergy
Chemicals
Genetic
Pet danger
Stress
Reparatory Infections
Management of Asthma:-
Some asana are recommended for the Asthma here as under:-
1) Tadasana
2) Urdhwa Hastottansana
3) UttanMandukasana
4) Bhujangasana
5) Dhanurasana
6) Ushtrasana
7) Vakrasana
8) Kapalbhati
9) Gomukhasana
10) Matsyaasana
11) Anuloma-Viloma
Procedure :
First of all stand erect on the surface of the ground.
Both the feet should be together.
Then start inhalation slowly and raise both the arms over the head with
palms facing up and interlock your fingers.
After that start exhalation and bend from the waist towards the right side.
Then maintain this position/postures for 5 to 10 seconds comfortably.
After that start inhalation and come to the center position. Then repeat the
same procedure towards the left side
Benefits :
This asana helps in increasing the height of children and adolescents. That is
why is usually practised by those who have desire to increase height.
This asana helps in reducing body weight. It removes fats from hips and
buttocks due to adequate stretch in these positions.
It helps to improve spinal curvature. That is why it is beneficial for spinal
health.
It relieves the muscle pain in the neck, shoulders and arms.
It helps in relieving constipation as it ensures proper movement of stomach
and intestines.
It also helps in relieving back pain.
Up to some extent, sciatica pain can be reduced.
It relaxes the whole body.
It also improves digestion
Contraindications:
In case of dizziness, it should not
be performed.
This asana should not be practised
during the period of pregnancy.
Before practising this asana, a yoga
expert must be consulted if
someone is having insomnia.
In case of leg pain, it should be
avoided.
In case of injury of neck or
shoulders, the practice of this
asana should be avoided.
3) Uttan Mandukasana
Uttana Mandukasana is composed of three words: Uttana means ‘upright’
Manduka means ‘frog’.
The position of Uttana Mandukasana resembles an upright frog that is why it
is called Uttana Mandukasana
Contraindications:
Avoid the practice of this asana if you are suffering from arthritis, hernia,
chronic and severe back problems and elbow pain
Women should avoid this asana during pregnancy
Contraindications:-
Avoid the asana if suffering from high blood pressure
In the condition of acute back pain or any type of injury avoid this posture
If suffering from peptic ulcer and hernia then also avoid this asana
Procedure :
Sit down in Padmasana or in any one of the meditative pose and close your
eyes.
Your spine should be straight.
Keep your hands on the respective knees.
Then raise your right hand and place your thumb on the right nostril and the
Contraindications:
The practice of anulom-vilom is to be done only under the guidance of an
expert yoga teacher.
Do not do anulom-vilom if your stomach is full, because it may be harmful for
your digestive system.
In the beginning, retaining of breath for maximum time should be avoided.
The patients of heart diseases and hypertension should be very careful about
retaining breath for long time
4. Hypertension
High blood pressure. A condition in which the strength of blood against the
walls of the artery is very high.
The main function of the heart is to supply pure blood to the various parts of
the body through different arteries.
when the heart contract it pushes the blood through blood vessels and
Yoga as Preventive measure for Lifestyle Disease Page 26
consequently the blood pressure increases in arteries this pressure is known
as systolic blood pressure
It is represented by the first number the pressure between two heartbeats is
called diastolic blood pressure
it is represented by bottom or second number these two number of blood
pressure are measured in mm/Hg. Unit means millimeter of mercury.
The normal blood pressure of an adult is considered 120/80mm/ Hg.
The person whose blood pressure readings are beyond 140/90 mm/Hg are
said to be having hypertension.
Symptoms of Hypertension:-
Head heaviness
Headache
Chest palpitation
Nose bleeding
Shortness of breath
Irritation and getting irritated ea sily
Face turning red
Visual problem
Disturbed sleep (Insomnia)
Causes of Hypertension:-
Procedure :
Lie flat on your back and breath slowly.
Place your hands on either side and your palms should be facing downward.
Start inhaling slowly and raise your legs to approximately 30° from the
ground.
Maintain this position for 15 to 30 seconds to feel pressure in lower
abdomen.
While breathing out, relax your posture by lowering your legs, i.e., back to the
starting position.
Benefits :
It is helpful in reducing weight.
It curves back pain.
It strengthens the abdominal muscles.
It is good for diabetic persons.
It helps in increasing blood circulation around the body.
It helps in relieving depression and anxiety.
It cures stomach disorders such as acidity, constipation and indigestion.
It is effective in boosting the health of the heart, lungs, liver, pancreas and
intestines.
It gives strength and balance to the body.
It is helpful for those suffering from gas problem, acidity, arthritis, heart
diseases and waist pain
Contraindications:
Whenever you begin to feel discomfort, release from the pose.
Those suffering from high blood pressure, slipped disc and ulcer should avoid
this asana.
Avoid it in case of severe lower back pain.
Women should avoid it during pregnancy.
Avoid it in case of injury to hamstrings, calves and core muscles
4) Ardha Halasana
Ardha Halasana is composed of the words: Ardha Hala asana where Ardha
Procedure :
Lie down in supine position. Join both the legs and keep your hands with the
thighs.
Breathe in slowly and raise your legs together, perpendicular to the ground.
Your knees should be straight. Maintain this position comfortably as long as
possible.
Breathe out slowly and bring your legs to the ground.
Relax for some time and repeat the same process for 3 to 5 times
Benefits
It improves blood circulation.
It is beneficial for hypertensive patients under the guidance of yoga expert.
It helps in relieving constipation.
It strengthens thigh and calf muscles.
It helps in reducing weight especially belly fat.
It stimulates abdominal organs.
It improves digestion and appetite.
Contraindications
It should be avoided by those who have undergone any recent stomach
surgery.
Persons with enlarged thyroid, spleen and liver should avoid the practice of
ardha halasana.
5) Sarala Matyasana
It is also known as easy fish pose.
Procedure:
Lie down on your back. Feet should be together.
Keep your hands under the hips.
Palms should be facing downward. Bring your elbows closer toward each
other.
While breathing in, lift the head and chest up.
Keeping the chest elevated, lower your head backward and touch the top of
Yoga as Preventive measure for Lifestyle Disease Page 29
the head to the floor.
Place the weight on the elbows and not the head.
Maintain this pose as long as you comfortably can.
Take gentle long breaths in and out.
Then lift the head up, lowering the chest and head to the floor.
Bring your hands back along the sides of the body and relax.
Benefits
It helps in relieving tension in the neck and shoulders.
It provides relief from respiratory disorders by encouraging long and deep
breathing.
It is beneficial in case of constipation, indigestion and piles.
It improves the functions of pelvic region.
This pose is excellent remedy for back-pain.
It is beneficial for asthma and bronchitis.
It boosts the functions of the thyroid and thymus glands and finally improves
immunity.
The regular practice of this asana helps, i.e., conditions like disorders of
menopause.
Contraindications
The practice of this asana should be avoided in case of spinal injuries
osteoporosis, knee injury or pain in the knee joints and cardiovascular
diseases.
It should be avoided in case of migraine and insomnia.
SARALA MATYASANA
6) Gomukhasana :- :- It is already mention in above
7) UttanMandukasana:- It is already mention in above
8) Vakrasana:- It is already mention in above
9) Bhujangasana :- It is already mention in above
10) Makarasana:-
Makarasana is composed of two words: ‘Makara’ and ‘Asana’.
Here ‘Makara’ means ‘crocodile’ and ‘Asana’ means ‘pose’.
In fact, it is called Makarasana because it is this asana and body shape that
resembles ‘makara’ or ‘crocodile’.
Procedure:
Lie down on your stomach with feet slightly apart.
Yoga as Preventive measure for Lifestyle Disease Page 30
Toes should point outward.
Bend both the arms and keep the right palm on the left arm.
Keep your head on your left or right arm.
Keep your eyes closed. Relax in this pose for up to 10 minutes.
Benefits
It provides deep relaxation to body and mind.
It releases stress and anxiety.
It helps to reduce back pain.
It helps in relaxing the spine and reduces tension.
It helps in curing asthma and knee pain.
It helps in curing slipped disc, spondylitis and sciatica.
It helps in curing hypertension, heart diseases and mental disorders.
It is beneficial for respiratory organs.
Contraindications
In case of serious back injury, it is best to avoid the practice of this asana.
Pregnant women should avoid the practice of this asana.
It should be avoided if you have neck injury.
Severe abdominal disorders may bring more discomfort from the practice of
this asana.
11) Shavasana :
Procedure :
Lie flat on your back.
Keep your arms at your side and your palms facing up. Legs should be
separated and just relax.
Start concentrating from your head to your feet and relax each part of your
body and feels that you are just like a dead body.
Benefits :
Contraindications
Do not perform this asana on uneven place.
Do not overstretch your body while doing this asana
It is not advisable to do this asana in case of recent spinal injuries or head
injuries.
Contraindications
It should be avoided in case of high vata, heart problem, high anxiety or
nervousness.
During menstruation its practice should be avoided.
Avoid its practice if your sinuses are blocked.
Avoid it in case of cold and fever.
NADISHODHANA PRANAYAM
13) Sitli Pranayam
It is a part of Hatha Yoga. Sheetal means calmness.
It is a breathing exercise that reduces internal heat and restores mental,
physical and emotional equilibrium
Procedure:
Sit cross-legged comfortably on the floor with your feet on your thighs and
the soles facing upwards.
Straight your spine and head, join the tips of index fingers to the tips of the
thumbs and let the other fingers remain either extended or loose.
Gently, close your eyes and relax your mind and body.
Open your mouth and try to fold your tongue slowly while stretching it out.
Benefits
It purifies blood and refreshes body and mind.
It is useful for those who feel tired, sleepy and lazy while getting up in the
morning or during the day.
It reduces anger, anxiety and stress.
It does not only improve digestion but also good for high blood pressure and
acidity.
It keeps body and mind cool and clears excess heat.
It balances excess pitta.
It soothes inflammatory skin conditions.
Helps to calm inflammation throughout the body.
It balances the function of endocrine system.
It helps in case of insomnia.
It alleviates heat related skin problem like acne, rashes and redness
Contraindications
Sheetli pranayama should be avoided in case of the following conditions:
1. Asthma, bronchitis and respiratory diseases.
2. Congestion or excess mucous or phlegm.
3. Lower blood pressure and constipation.
4. Cold weather
SITLI PRANAYAM
Back pain is one of them about 95% of the people who sit in one place and 60% of
the rest of the people are upset with back pain and number of women are more in
them.
Back pain is pain felt in the back any may be neck pain (cervical), middle back
pain (thoracic), lower back pain (lumber), or may be in the coccydynia (tailbone)
region.
Symptoms of Back Pain:-
Muscle ache.
Shooting or stabbing pain.
Pain that radiates down your leg.
Pain that worsens with bending,
lifting, standing or walking.
Pain that improves with reclining.
Loss of appetite
Nausea
Thirst
Tiredness
Constipation
Causes of Back Pain:-
Increased with age
Wrong Working Posture
Obesity
Weak Muscle
Wrong Habit
Spondylolisthesis
Cancer
Facture
Sedentary Life style
Pregnant women
Wrong Physical Activity
Arthritis
The habit of modern equipment
Wrong way of sleeping
Weight lifting
Benefits:
Strengthens the back and abdominal muscles.
Tones the organs in the abdomen including the digestive, excretory and
reproductive organs.
Relief from back problems and postural defects.
Opens the chest and strengthens the arms and shoulder muscles.
Posture prepares beginners for the more difficult full wheel pose or Chakrasana.
Contraindications
Ardha Chakrasana should not be done by those suffering from any neck, hip or
spinal injury.
Those suffering from high blood pressure should avoid this pose.
Pregnant women should avoid all poses that puts any strain on the fetus.
ARDH-CHAKRASANA
Procedure:
Sit on the mat with legs fully stretched forward.
Bring the feet, with the toes pointing outward, close to the generative organ, the
heels touching the perineum very closely.
If required, clasp the feet to bring the heels as close to the body as possible
Once this position is secured, place the hands on the respective knees pressing
them down.
Keep the neck straight, upper body (chest) forward, stomach held in normal
contour, focus eyes at one point straight ahead.
Benefits
Helps to loosen the joints by flexing and stretching the tendons. The muscles of the
pelvis, knees and ankles become more supple.
Relieves tension from the spinal region.
Provides relief in cases of sciatic, varicose vein and menstrual disorders.
Prevents Arthritis
Improves posture
Promotes concentration
Bhadrasana is a good for those who find it difficult to sit in more classical posture
like Padmasana and Vajrasana.
Contraindications
Although beneficial for prevention from arthritis, practitioners with serious
arthritis should consult yoga expert before practicing this asana.
BHADRASANA