Yoga Asana

It has three parts

• Anti rheumatic Group
• Digestive/Abdominal
• Shakti Band Group

Pawan means wind and can be understood by two things the intake (oxygen) and output exhale or the gas, which is a very important part of life and Pawan Mukta series is one of the most important series for understanding the meaning of asanas by developing awareness of the bodies movements. It is very useful as a preparatory practice as it opens up all the major joints and relaxes the muscles of the body. Part 1 is useful for eliminating energy blockages in the joints. Part 2 is concerned specifically with strengthening the digestive system. It is excellent for those who are suffering from indigestion constipation, acidity, excess wind or gas, diabetes, disorders of the male or female reproductive system and varicose veins etc. It also eliminates energy blockages in the abdominal area. Part 3 improves the energy flow within the body and breaking down neuro muscular knots, especially in the region where energy tends to stagnate this series is very good for those who reduce vitality and a stuff back and menstrual problem in women. These asanas also eliminate energy blockage in the spine activate the lungs and heart and improve endocrine function.

The importance of this series of relaxation poses is that they cannot be over emphasized, they should be performed before and after the asana session and at any time when the body is very tired. They are specially recommended for any back / spinal problem.

The main purpose of the meditation asanas is to allow to practitioner to sit for extended periods of time without moving the body and without discomfort.

Vajra is also a major nadi directly connected with the genital urinary system that regulates the sexual energy in the body, control of Vajra nadi leads to sublimation and control of sexual energy. Hence this series is therefore very beneficial for the reproductive as well as digestive organs and is also reasonably easy to perform.

This series has a stretching and strengthening effect on the back, shoulder and leg muscles and it is good for those who spend time in sitting work or who have pain in the back those who suffer from sciatica or slipped disc may practice hastha utthana asana,akarna dhanurasana and tadasana,but they should not practice any other as standing asanas except under the guidance of experience yoga teacher.

This dynamic group of asanas is not regarded as being a traditional part of Hatha Yoga practices as it was added to the original asana group at a later time, it is a complete asana,effecting almost everything what many asanas together may effect such as loosening up, stretching, massaging and toning all the joints, muscles and internal organs of the body.

The asana in this chapter clear, physical, emotional and mental blocks help awaken the energy centers of the body and induce tranquility. They increase the ability to sit in Padmasanas for extended periods of time as required for advanced meditation practices.

On a physical level the backward bending asanas stretch the abdominal muscles and tone and strengthen the muscles controlling the spine,helping to prevent slipped disc and other back condition. The practice of backward bending asanas can correct postural defects and neuromuscular imbalances of the vertebral column. Backward bending asanas create a negative pressure in the abdomen and pelvis,helping neuro-circulatory toning of all the related organs. They also massage the abdomen and pelvic organs by stretching the muscles in this area especially rectus abdoaminus.

The backward bending asanas are postures that turn the body out to face the world. They are stimulating and extroverting because they expand the chest and encourage inhalation. They are associated with the attitude of embarrassing life.

Some people are known to bend over backwards to please others and these people and these people often have the same ability on the physical level. Those who have difficulty in bending backwards may be frightened to face life and give of themselves with love. These common fears are instinctual or due to unpleasant past experiences. This psychic stiffness dampens spontaneity and adversely affects the external personality. It translates itself via the brain and nervous system into the body and is called body armor backward bending asanas breakdown this body armor, then effects reach far into the depths of the mental and psychic bodies helping to remold and reshape the personality.

On a physical level the backward bending asanas stretch the abdominal muscles and tone and strengthen the muscles controlling the spine,helping to prevent slipped disc and other back condition. The practice of backward bending asanas can correct postural defects and neuromuscular imbalances of the vertebral column. Backward bending asanas create a negative pressure in the abdomen and pelvis,helping neuro-circulatory toning of all the related organs. They also massage the abdomen and pelvic organs by stretching the muscles in this area especially rectus abdoaminus.

The backward bending asanas are postures that turn the body out to face the world. They are stimulating and extroverting because they expand the chest and encourage inhalation. They are associated with the attitude of embarrassing life.

Some people are known to bend over backwards to please others and these people and these people often have the same ability on the physical level. Those who have difficulty in bending backwards may be frightened to face life and give of themselves with love. These common fears are instinctual or due to unpleasant past experiences. This psychic stiffness dampens spontaneity and adversely affects the external personality. It translates itself via the brain and nervous system into the body and is called body armor backward bending asanas breakdown this body armor, then effects reach far into the depths of the mental and psychic bodies helping to remold and reshape the personality.

These are very important asanas for spinal health and it is advisable that every asana program should include at least one practice from this group preferably following the forward and backward bending. Most of the spinal twists asanas enhance the pranic flow around the navel. This nourishes organs such as kidneys, stomach, small intestine, liver and gallbladder.

On the emotional and psychic levels, controlled twisting represents a means of managing the knots and problems of life for many people life seems complicated and their problems appear too difficult to solve these asanas the tangled knots of life.

These are very important asanas for spinal health and it is advisable that every asana program should include at least one practice from this group preferably following the forward and backward bending. Most of the spinal twists asanas enhance the pranic flow around the navel. This nourishes organs such as kidneys, stomach, small intestine, liver and gallbladder.

On the emotional and psychic levels, controlled twisting represents a means of managing the knots and problems of life for many people life seems complicated and their problems appear too difficult to solve these asanas the tangled knots of life.

These practices improve health, reduce anxiety and increase self-confidence also increase mental power concentration and capacity to sustain large work loads with out strain. These asanas encourage rich supply of blood to flow to the brain nourishing the neurons and flushing out toxins blood and lymph, accumulated in the lower limbs and abdomen, are drained back to the heart, then circulated to the lungs, purified and re-circulated to all parts of the body. This process nourishes the cells of the whole human organism. The enriched blood flow also allows the pituitary gland to operate more efficiently, tuning the entire endocrine system. This has a positive effect on the metabolic process and even on ways of thinking. They undoubtedly improve the quality of meditation and concentration.

These asanas develop the cerebellum, the brain centre that controls how the body works in motion; these asasnas induce physical balance stilling unconscious movements. As the moving body attains balance it becomes increasingly free to rely on other forces such as gravity, to support and propel it ,this group develops a balanced mind and a more mature outlook on life. Asanas are especially noted for balancing the nervous system and removing stress and anxiety.For relief of excessive tension these practice should be held for as long as possible. When practicing these asanas,it is most important to steady the mind through concentration on one point.