Author: Mahendra Kumar Vyas

Supta Udarakarshanasana – Sleeping Abdominal Stretch Pose – Benefits & Contraindications Supt Udarakarshanasana, or the Sleeping Abdominal Stretch Pose, is a part of the digestive/abdominal group of asanas and is a great way to exercise and stretch both back and abdominal muscles. This Yogasana, also called sleeping abdominal stretch pose, is good for people suffering from indigestion, excess wind or gas and back pain. Supt Udarakarshanasna provides suppleness to the spine as the entire spine is given a uniform twisting stretch in the final position. It removes energy blockages from the back and abdominal areas. In Sanskrit, ‘Supta’ means ‘lying down’ or…

Sphinx Pose – Salamba Bhujangasana  Salamba Bhujangasana, also called Sphinx Pose or Easy Cobra Pose, is an excellent preparatory pose for the backward bending Yoga Poses like Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose), Dhanurasana (Bow Pose), Ustrasana (Camel Pose), Chakrasana (wheel pose), and other backward bends. It is one of the excellent Yoga Poses for beginners as it is much easy for them to hold the pose for an extended period of time. It eases the erector spinae (the set of muscles that straighten and rotate the back) into the back bending action, slowly preparing the back and spine for moving into more intense variations.…

Shava Udarakarshanasana – Universal Spinal Twist Pose Shava Udarakarshanasana, also known as Universal Spinal Twist, is one of the spine twisting Yoga poses. This Yoga Asana is a part of the digestive and abdominal group of asanas. This asana stretches side back muscles and is good for people suffering from indigestion, constipation, excess wind or gas, diabetes, and lower back pain. This Yogasana removes energy blockages from the back and abdominal areas. Shava Udarakarshanasana Steps Spread a Yoga mat on a flat ground and lie flat on back with the legs together and straight. In the starting position, the arms should…

Vyaghrasana (Tiger Pose) Steps & Benefits  ‘Vyaghra’ means ‘Tiger’ in Sanskrit and the asana is so called as it emulates the stretching movement made by a tiger when it wakes up from sleep. One of the great lower back stretches, ‘Tiger Pose’ or the ‘Vyaghrasana’ is done on fours where the spine is stretched deep, giving a great opening to the hips and the thighs. Spine, hip, and leg joints are loosened and spinal nerves are toned. Vyaghrasana is especially beneficial for women after childbirth as it tones the female reproductive organs (categorized under Post Natal Yoga). This asana reduces…

Ardha Salabhasana (Half Locust Pose) Steps & Benefits Ardha Salabhasana is an excellent Yoga Pose for back pain and pelvic organs. It is made up of three words Ardh, Salabh, and Asana, in which the word “Ardha” means ‘half’, “Salabh” means ‘locust’, and “Asana” means ‘posture’ and hence the name Ardha Salabhasana or Half-Locust Pose. Ardha Salabhasana can be considered as a preparatory pose for Salabhasana. The final pose of  Salabhasana resembles a feeding locust, with the head lowered and tail raised up. Locusts are known for their energy and ability to take great leaps. Ardha Salabhasana, one of the…

Mantra And Mind Conscious Unconscious & Subconscious Mind What all we talk and share comes from the conscious mind. The mind has two other layers categorized into the subconscious mind and the unconscious mind. So a man thinks not only on the conscious plane but thinks also when he is in a subconscious or unconscious state. These deeper layers of the mind (subconscious and unconscious) consist of hidden desires, fears, emotions and complexes in the form of Samskaras and Vasanas. Some theories even classify mind into seven levels. Apart from conscious, sub-conscious and unconscious levels, the other levels classified are…

Sitkari Pranayama Steps & Benefits Sitkari Pranayama also called the hissing breath, is one of the breathing techniques in Yoga that cools down our body and mind. Sitkari is similar to Sheetali Pranayama.  Whereas in Sheetali Pranayama, the tongue is rolled into a tube, in Sitkari Pranayama it is rolled up to touch the upper palate. This Pranayama too has a positive impact on the nervous system and endocrine glands, as in Sheetali Pranayama. A person becomes young and charming by practicing this breathing exercise.  A Person is able to control thirst and hunger with the daily practice of Sitkari Pranayama. Sitkari Pranayama…

Sheetali Pranayama – Cooling Breath Yoga – शीतली प्राणायाम The word “Sheetali” is derived from the word Sheetal, which means ‘that which is calm, cool and soothing’. The practice of Sheetali Pranayama (शीतली प्राणायाम – Sheetali Pranayama in Hindi) calms and cools the mind along with the body. It is also called cooling breath or Cooling Pranayama. This Pranayama has a positive impact on the nervous system and endocrine glands. A person becomes young and charming by practicing this breathing exercise as is mentioned in Hatha yoga Pradipika. A Person is able to control thirst and hunger with the daily practice…

Siddhasana Benefits -Siddhasana Steps – सिद्धासन Siddhasana – सिद्धासन (Siddhasana In Hindi) is also called ‘Accomplished Pose’ as in Sanskrit, the word SIDDHA means ‘Power’ or ‘accomplished’ and the word ASANA means a ‘pose’. From the word ‘Siddha’ is derived the word Siddhi, and it refers to psychic powers developed through yogic practices. In Yoga, Siddhasana is said to helps practitioner develop these psychic powers, and hence the name Siddhasana.  Hatha Yoga Pradeepika has categorized Siddhasana as one of the most powerful sitting Yoga poses suited for meditation. Some also call it a perfect pose. Siddhasana Steps Spread a Yoga mat or a blanket and…

What is Japa Yoga ? The constant repetition of a Mantra is known as Japa. Japa Yoga means union of the self with the highest existence through the Japa. The purpose of japa is to awaken the psychic awareness. Of all the systems of Yoga used to awaken the psychic awareness and intended to lead eventually to Samadhi, Japa Yoga is the easiest. A Mantra is the first requirement for the Japa Yoga. The Rosary or Mala is another need for Japa Yoga. What Is A Mantra? A Mantra is not the name of a god or goddess or of…