Basti – The Yogic Enema Technique
Basti is the Hatha Yoga method of performing an enema. Basti is one of the Shatkarma or the six purification techniques mentioned in the yogic texts – Hatha Yoga Pradeepika and the Gheranda Samhita. It is aimed at cleaning the lower intestines and the colon, removing toxins and cooling the body.
Vrikshasana – The Tree Pose
Vrikshasana or the Tree Pose is an excellent yogic balancing pose. In sanskrit, Vriksha means a tree and Asana means a pose. In Vrikshasana, the weight of the entire body is shifted to one leg, strengthening that leg. The entire posture requires a good sense of balance and once mastered, gives a sense of confidence and steadiness.
Baddha Konasana – Bound Angle Pose
Baddha Konasana or Bound Angle Pose improves flexibility of the muscles of the inner thighs, hips and the groins. In Sanskrit, Baddha means bound, Kona means angle and Asana means a pose. Some call this pose the Cobbler’s pose.
Uttanasana – The Standing Forward Bend Pose
Uttanasana or the Standing Forward Bend Pose involves intense bending of the hips and creates a very flexible body. In Sanskrit, Ut means Intense, Tana means stretched and Asana means a yogic pose.
Parivrtta Sukhasana – The Easy Seated Twist Pose
Parivrtta Sukhasana or the easy seated twist pose is based on the easy seating posture called Sukhasana. In Sanskrit, Parivrtta means twisted and Sukha means easy, comfortable or joyful and Asana means a yogic pose. It is an easy posture that can be performed by all practitioners.
The Seated Mountain Pose
The Seated Mountain Pose or the seated Parvatasana gives a good stretch to the trunk, waist and shoulders. In Sanskrit, Parvat means a mountain and asana means a pose. In this posture, the body is stretched to look like a mountain. The seated mountain pose is good posture to release the stress in the shoulders and the trunk.
Prasarita Padottanasana – Wide Legged Forward Bend Pose
Prasarita Padottanasana or Wide Legged Forward Bend Pose stretches the back and leg muscles. In Sanskrit, Prasarita means spread out, Pada means leg or foot, Uttana means intense stretch and Asana means a yogic pose. Prasarita Padottanasana is a resting pose with benefits of regular inverted poses.
Malasana – The Garland Pose
Malasana or the Garland Pose gives flexibility to the hip and back muscles.In Sanskrit, Mala means garland and Asana means a pose. Malasana helps to open up the hips and the groins muscles.
Adho Mukha Svanasana – Downward Facing Dog Pose
Adho Mukha Svanasana or the downward facing dog pose stretches and straightens the spine. In Sanskrit, Adho means down, Mukha means face and Svana means a dog. This asana or pose has been created by observing dogs. They perform this several times in a day. If you observe your pet dog, you will see how he does this to stretch and relax his spine.
Balasana – The Child’s Pose
Balasana or the Child’s Pose is an excellent resting pose. In Sanskrit, Bala means Child and Asana means a yoga pose. This asana or pose has been created by observing young children who naturally use this to relax. Balasana is one of the easiest relaxation poses and can be done by all practitioners. It can also be performed between asanas. It gives emotional and mental relaxation.
