Uddiyana Bandha – The Abdominal Lock
Uddiyana Bandha or the Abdominal Lock is one of the three main Bandhas or locks practised by yogis. Uddiyana Bandha is described in the yogic texts Hatha Yoga Pradeepika, Gheranda Samhita and the Siva Samhita. Uddiyana Bandha is said to activate the Manipuraka Chakra and channels the pranic energy upwards.
Mula Bandha – The Root Lock
Mula Bandha / Moola Bandha or the Root Lock is one of the three main Bandhas or yogic locks practiced by yogis. Mula in Sanskrit means ‘root’ or ‘base’ and Bandha means a lock.
Bandha – The Yogic Locks
Bandha or a yogic lock enables a yogi to block and direct the flow of pranic energy in certain way to change the energy pattern in the body. Bandhas not only modifies the flow of pranic energy through the nadis (energy meridians), but also modifies the flow of nerve currents in the nervous system and blood flow through the blood vessels.
Ashtanga Namaskara – Eight Limbed Salutation
Ashtanga Namaskara or the Eight-Limbed salutation is part of the Sun Salutation series of asanas. It appears as the 6th pose in the Sun Salutation or Surya Namaskara. In this pose, the body touches the ground in eight locations – the two feet (toes), the two knees, the two palms, the chest and the head. In Sanskrit, “ashta” means eight and “anga” means part. Hence the name Ashtanga Namaskara. This pose is also used by devotees for paying obeisance to deities in Indian temples.
Parvatasana – The Mountain Pose
Parvatasana or the Mountain pose is part of the Sun Salutation series of asanas. It appears as the 4th pose and the 9th pose in the Sun Salutation or Surya Namaskara. In Sanskrit “Parvata’ means mountain. The pose looks like a mountain from the sides and hence the name Parvatasana.
Ashwa Sanchalanasana – The Equestrian Pose
Ashwa Sanchalanasana or the Equestrian pose is part of the Sun Salutation series of asanas. It appears as the 4th pose and the 9th pose in the Sun Salutation or Surya Namaskara.
Padahastasana – Hand to Foot Pose
Padahastasana or the Hand to Foot pose is part of the Sun Salutation series of asanas. It appears as the 3rd pose and the 10th pose in the Sun Salutation or Surya Namaskara.
Hasta Uttanasana – Raised Arms Pose
Hasta Uttanasana or the raised arms pose is part of the Sun Salutation series of asanas. It appears as the 2nd pose and the 11th pose in the Sun Salutation or Surya Namaskara.
Pranamasana – The Prayer Pose
Pranamasana or the Prayer Pose is the starting pose for Surya Namaskara or the Sun Salutation poses. In Pranamasana, the palms are held together in the prayer pose. The word ‘Pranam’ has a Sanskrit root and it means ‘to pay respect’; and asana means a pose. Hence the name Pranamasana.
Tolangulasana – The Weighing Scale Pose
Tolangulasana or the Weighing Scale Pose is good for controlling obesity and toning the abdominal organs. Tolangulasana looks like a weighing scale in the final pose, hence the name. Tolangulasana gives a sense of relaxation and also helps to strengthen the shoulders and arms.
