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Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Purna Matsyendrasana

This asana is easy for those who have practiced Ardha Matsyendrasana for some time. Purna Matsyendrasana is a bit difficult to perform in the beginning.
Technique of this asana :

  • Sit on the floor with the legs stretched straight in front. Keep the trunk and the head in a vertically straight line.
  • Place the right foot at the root of the left thigh. Place the right heel pressing against the navel.
  • Keep the left foot on the floor behind the right knee.
  • Take the right hand out from under the left knee and with the help of its thumb and first finger hold the toe of the left foot.
  • Keep the left foot firm in this position.
  • Take your left hand behind the back and keep the head and the body turned to the left side.
  • Twist the waist slightly. Look at the tip of the nose. Breathe in slowly.
  • Retain this position for twenty seconds. The position can be retained for two to three minutes after sufficient practice.
  • This asana gives the maximum benefits when practiced on the right and left sides alternately.
Benefits of Purna Matsyendrasana :
  • It alleviates rheumatism.
  • This asana makes the spine flexible and one experiences vigour and vitality of youth.
  • It stimulates the life energy and cures many diseases.
  • This asana is very beneficial to persons suffering from diabetes.
  • It supplies fresh blood to the Prananadi. This awakens the Kundalini and the aspirant experiences mental peace and calmness.
  • This asana has all the advantages of Ardha Matsyendrasana.
Contraindication : People who have stiffness in spine should not practice it.

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Ardha Matsyendrasana

"Ardha" means half. This asana is named after yogi Matsyendranath who first taught it to the aspirant of Hatha Yoga. It is said that Matsyendranath was the disciple of lord Shiva.

Technique of Ardha Matsyendrasana :
  • Sit extending both the legs together in front, hands by the side, palms resting on the ground , fingers should remains together pointing forward.
  • Place the right heel near the buttock. Do not move the heel from this position.
  • Bend the left knee and put the left ankle on the outer side of the right knee.
  • Let the right armpit rest on the outer side of the left thigh.
  • Now push the knee backwards so that it touches the back part of the armpit.
  • Then hold the toe of the left foot with the right hand.
  • Twist the spine slowly exerting force on the joint of the left shoulder.
  • Let the spine be twisted to the left side as far as possible.
  • Turn the head to the left side as far as it can go. Bring it to the line of the left shoulder.
  • Take the left hand backwards and try to hold the right thigh with it. Keep the spine erect.
  • Remain in this position for 5-15 seconds.
  • Repeat the same in reverse by twisting the spine to the right side.
Benefits of this asana :
  • This asana stimulates appetite.
  • It is very much useful in constipation and dyspepsia.
  • It awakens Kundalini and stabilizes Chandranadi.
  • This asana improves liver efficiency and removes debility of kidney.
  • It makes the spine elastic. It massages the abdominal muscles and organs.
  • It is very beneficial for the muscle of back and shoulder.
  • It adjusts and corrects the displacement of the vertebrae, rejuvenating the blood circulation in that part of the body.
  • Therapeutic for asthma and infertility.
  • It helps one in practicing Pashchimottanasana.
Remember :
  • Some persons may experience difficulty in practicing it. if they can not hold the left by right hand they should hold the ankle.
  • While twisting backward twist the backbone turning well.
  • before resorting to the practice of this asana practice Vakrasana.
Contraindication : People who have stiffness in spine should avoid it.