Butterfly Yoga Pose Benefits (Poorna Titali Asana)

Table of Contents

Half Butterfly(Ardha Titali Asana) – Hip Rotation(Shroni Chakra) – Poorna Titali Asana(Full Butterfly)

Continuing with the practices of Pawanmuktasana Series 1, description of Half Butterfly Asana, Hip Rotation and Full Butterfly Asana is given in the current post. These three asanas help to relieve tension in the inner thigh muscles and remove the tiredness from long hours of standing, walking or running. These asanas also help in loosening up the hip joints and prepare the practitioner to sit in meditative poses.

Half Butterfly Yoga Asana (Ardha Titaly Asana)

Sit in the base position.
Bend the right leg from knee joint and place the foot on the left thigh without straining.
Place the heel of the right leg at the left groin, but again without straining.
Put the right hand on top of the bent right knee.
Hold the toes of the right foot with the left hand.
Push the right knee down with the right hand and try to touch the knee to the floor.
While breathing in, move the right knee up and close to the chest.
Hold the position for a few seconds.

While breathing out, push the knee down back to the initial position trying to touch the floor.
Do not force the move in an effort to touch the knee to the floor.
Initially practice 5 to 7 up and down movements.
After 5 to 7 such movements synchronized with the breath, practice 15-20 up and down movements in quick succession, this time keeping the breath normal and not related to the movements.
The trunk should not move during the practice.
Slowly straighten the leg.
Repeat the same procedure with the left leg.

Half Butterfly Benefits (Ardha Titali Asana Benefits)

The practice of Half Butterfly loosens up the knee and hip joint.
This asana should be practiced by people who find it difficult to sit in cross-legged positions.
Ardha Titali Asana prepares people to sit in meditative poses like Padmasana and Siddhasana.

Hip Rotation (Shroni Charka)

Sit in the base position.
Bend the right leg from knee joint and place the foot on the left thigh without straining.
Place the heel of the right leg at the left groin, but again without straining.
Put the right hand on top of the bent right knee.
Hold the toes of the right foot with the left hand.
Rotate the right knee in a circle using the right hand.
Try to make the circular movement as large as possible.
Become aware of the impact on the hip joint, inner thigh muscles and other parts being affected by the movement.
Practice 3 to 5 clockwise rotations and 3 to 5 anti-clockwise rotations.
Straighten the leg gently.
Repeat the same process with the left leg.

Full Butterfly Yoga Asana (Poorna Titali Asana)

Sit in the base position.
Bend the legs from knee joints and bring the soles of the feet together.
Clasp the feet with both hands.
Keep the heels as close to the body as possible.
Slowly and gently move the knees up and down without applying any force.
Practise 20 to 30 up and down movements.
After 20 to 30 up and down movement as above, place the hands on the knees.
Gently push the knees down towards the floor, without applying any force.

With the use of hands bring the knees close to each other.
Again repeat the movement 20 to 30 times.
Straighten the legs and relax.
Become aware of stretches in the inner thigh muscles and the impact on hip joints during the practice.

Butterfly Pose Contraindications

People suffering from sciatica and sacral conditions should avoid this asana.