yoga - asanas

Vakrasana

This is an important asana for reducing abdominal fat and stretching the thigh muscles it also helps to strengthen the nervous system and helps in overcoming spinal injuries. It is derived from a Sanskrit word in which Vakra means twisted and asana means posture. The trunk of the body is twisted on either side and is practised in a sitting position.

Thadasana

Tadasana or mountain pose is an important asana in yoga. Tadasana is a Sanskrit word which means tada means mountain and asana means posture. This asana was not known or mentioned in hatha yoga. Tadasana is considered as the foundation for all the other standing  asanas in yoga.

Uttanasana

Uttanasana is a standing forward bending pose in yoga. Uttanasana is a Sanskrit word in which uttana means intense stretch and asana means posture. In this asana person should keep the palms flat on the ground without bending the knees. While doing Uttanasana blood gushes to the head when bent, this helps in giving a good boost of oxygen to the head.

Adho Mukho Svanasana

Adho-mukha-svanasana is a very important asana/pose in Yoga. This pose helps in stretching of the whole body.  It is also known as Downward-Facing Dog pose. The name comes from Sanskrit word ‘Adho’ means ‘forward’ ‘mukho’ is ‘face’ and ‘svana’ is ‘dog’ and ‘asana’ is ‘pose’. 

Trikonasana

Trikonasana means triangle pose. The name is derived from a Sanskrit word trikona in which trikona means triangle and asana means pose. It is a good asana to bring stability of mind and stamina in our body. It helps in strengthening core muscles and legs. 

Dhanurasana

Dhanurasana is known as bow asana as when it is done the shape of the body takes bow shape. Dhanurasana is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Dhanu' means 'bow' and 'asana' means posture. It is another important asana in Hatha yoga

Kapalabatti Pranayama

Kapalbhati-Pranayama is a very powerful and important breathing exercise that not only cures stomach disorders but also helps in losing belly fat. It is a good asana in yoga even for relaxing the mind and body. The technique required for kapalbhati Pranayama is strong exhalation and inhalation. Kapal means forehead , bhati means shining and Pranayama means breathing technique. It is also called as breath of fire and Kapalbhati pranayama means forehead shining breathing technique.

Naukasana

Naukasana means an asana in boat shape.  Naukasana is known in different names like Navasana, Boat Pose or Paripurna Navasana. Yoga helps our mind and body to rejuvenate. Naukasana is an important  and simple asana in yoga which is easy to do and has many health benefits. Our body is made to stretch in the shape of a boat. ‘Nauka’ means ‘boat’ and ‘asana’ means ‘pose’.  It tones the abdominal muscles and stretches the whole body. It can be done on both the sides. Upside and backside(lying on stomach).

Paschimottanasana

Paschimottanasana or seated forward bending position or intense Dorsal stretch is an asana in hatha yoga. Paschimottanasana is seated forward bending asana where one tries to hold the toes of the legs while sitting straight on the floor. This asana helps people suffering from diabetes.

Bhujangasana

 Bhujangasana is also known as cobra pose in English. Every asana in yoga has its own benefits. Bhujangasana also is a very important asana or pose in yoga. Bhujangasana comes from a Sanskrit word Bhujanga which means snake and asana means pose. It is very easy to do. Make sure you keep your stomach and bowels empty. 

Sirsasana

Sirasasana also known as the head stand position is an important asana where the whole body is in inverted position and the body weight is on the forearms which rest on the ground. The crown of the head lightly touches the ground. This asana is known as the king of all asanas. It would be good if this asana is learnt under an instructor.

Vajrasana

This asana is very simple and a good start for beginners. Vajra means thunderbolt in Sanskrit and asana means posture. This asana helps in improving the digestive system and releases back pain. Vajrasana is also known as thunderbolt pose or diamond pose is a kneeling asana in hatha yoga.

Sarvangasana

Sarvangasana is known as shoulder stand pose in English. Sarv is a Sanskrit word which means ‘entire’. In this asana the whole body is balanced on the shoulders. This asana is called the mother of all the asanas. It has many health benefits.