YOGA ASANAS

Headstand or Shirshasana is an advanced yoga pose which should be learnt from a yoga teacher. The final inverted pose is maintained for as long as possible, breathing slow and easy. Never do it near a water body. I was scared of falling in the lake, so could not be absolutely vertical during this recording.

This video shows one complete round of the classic yoga exercise called Sun Salutation. It is a prayer to the Sun, the source of all energy. Inhale when bending backwards and exhale when bending forwards. Read more about it at: http://www.slideshare.net/drbhargav/the-physiology-of-sun-salutation-surya-namasakar

This is a basic and a beginners pose. Inhale while bending torso backwards and hold the breath as long as possible. Exhale while coming down, then rest. Read about its benefits in our newsletter: http://www.vedic-healing.com/web/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/VH-Newsletter-Spring-2013.pdf

This is a basic / beginners pose. Keep arms besides the body, with palms facing down. Inhale and then lift up the legs. Hold the pose as long as you can, exhale while bringing the legs down, then rest.

Shalabhasana (Locust Pose) is a basic / beginner's pose. Lie down prone with feet together and arms besides the body. Exhale and lift up legs, keeping feet together and knees straight. Maintain the pose with the breath held after exhalation, as long as possible, then bring the legs down, breathe normally and rest before the next round.

Shavasana or corpse pose is the resting or relaxing pose in Yoga practice. This is performed before and after any Yoga pose. Lie on you back, feet slightly apart, arms by the side and palms facing up. Close your eyes, relax your body and mind and breathe slowly and deeply moving your belly up and down (abdominal breathing).

Vajrasana or the thunderbolt pose or the kneeling pose a basic or beginner's pose. It is very beneficial for diseases of the abdomen and pelvis. It is typically practiced for 5-15 minutes, after meals. Sit on your legs, with knees together and the big toe of both feet touching each other. Keep the spine straight and breath slowly and deeply. You may keep your hands on the knees, with elbows straight.

Sarvangasana or Shoulder Stand is a basic / beginner's pose. Due to the compressive effects on the thyroid, and since thyroid hormones influence the function of all organs and systems; this pose is an overall rejuvenator. Due to effects on the neck and shoulder, it is also a good stress buster pose. Read more about it at: http://www.vedic-healing.com/web/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/VH-Newsletter-Winter-2012-13.pdf

Pavanmuktasana is a basic / beginner's pose which is excellent healing all kinds of diseases of the gastrointestinal system. Exhale while bending leg/s, hold the position and breath as long as you can, then come back to the resting pose and breathe normally.

Chakrasana (Wheel Pose) is an advanced yoga pose which leads to inversion and backward bending of the spine. The final position is held as long as possible with focus on breath. It is very good for the spine and nervous system. A forward bending pose such as Paschimottasana or Halasana should be performed before or after Chakrasana.

Halasana (Plow Pose) is an advanced Yoga Pose, with Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand) as an intermediary pose. It leads to extreme forward bending of the entire spine especially the neck. It stretches the back and stimulates the glands in the belly and in the neck.

Dhanurasana (Bow Pose) is a beginners Yoga Pose involving backward bending of the entire spine and stretching of the chest and the belly. It is one of the best poses for gastrointestinal and genitourinary problems.

Paschimottasana (Seated Forward Bend) is a beginner's Yoga Pose which requires forward bending in a seated position. It stretches the back and legs and helps in reducing weight.

Ardh Matsyendrasana (Spinal Twist) is a beginner's Yoga Pose which stretches the back muscles and tones the organs in the belly.

Sukhasana is the beginner's sitting pose, essential to Pranayama (breathing techniques) and Meditation.

Padmasana is an advanced sitting pose, essential to Pranayama (breathing techniques) and Meditation.