Benefits of Padmasana - Yoga Lotus Pose
>> Tuesday, January 20, 2009 –
Meditation,
Pranayama,
Yoga Pose
Padmasana (Lotus Pose) is one of the poses which is used for meditation. It is the most recommended pose for sitting in meditative poses and Pranayama. At the same time this pose is difficult for most people to achieve as this requires flexibility in the leg muscles. But with practice it is possible to remove the stiffness in the legs and sit in Padmasana. In future I will be writing about preparatory asanas which removes the stiffness and prepares us for this pose.
Padmasana Basics
In Padmasana sole of each foot rests on the opposite thigh as close as possible to the pubic bone. The hands rest on the knees, with the index finger and thumb joining each other in a circle, rest of the fingers straight in Dhyan Mudra.
Padmasana, provides the back natural curve of spine and back does not tire easily because it is easier to keep the back straight. If we sit cross legged without Padmasana, our body is in contact with the floor only with the buttocks and part og the shins resting on the toes. In this way of sitting back is not straight in it natural position and we need to exert pressure on the back to keep it straight. This puts stress on the back and it starts tiring very early. Where as if we practice sitting in Padmasana in correct manner in which the knees start touching the floor, it becomes almost like a tripod which provide 3 points of contact on the floor for our body. Also the two knees and buttocks are at the ground level, and it provides a steady and stable base for the body to be straight.
Benefits of Padmasana
Since the back is straight and spine is in its natural curve position, it is excellent pose for meditation as the body is alert and not stressed. This will prevent yogi from dozing off during the meditation at the same time makes it easier to sit in meditation, which is essential in the long run for the Sadhana.
This asana is very appropriate for Pranayama and it helps to move the flow of Prana from the lower spine to to head as it helps achieve proper spine position required for flow of pranic energy(Life force energy).
Nerves in the lower region of the body is massaged, and it increases the blood flow to the lower region of the body therefore toning lower back and abdomen. This also removes stiffness in knees and ankles.
Related Posts
How to Prepare for Padmasana
Loosening Exercises For Padmasana
Ardh Padmasana
Padmasana Basics
In Padmasana sole of each foot rests on the opposite thigh as close as possible to the pubic bone. The hands rest on the knees, with the index finger and thumb joining each other in a circle, rest of the fingers straight in Dhyan Mudra.
Padmasana, provides the back natural curve of spine and back does not tire easily because it is easier to keep the back straight. If we sit cross legged without Padmasana, our body is in contact with the floor only with the buttocks and part og the shins resting on the toes. In this way of sitting back is not straight in it natural position and we need to exert pressure on the back to keep it straight. This puts stress on the back and it starts tiring very early. Where as if we practice sitting in Padmasana in correct manner in which the knees start touching the floor, it becomes almost like a tripod which provide 3 points of contact on the floor for our body. Also the two knees and buttocks are at the ground level, and it provides a steady and stable base for the body to be straight.
Benefits of Padmasana
Since the back is straight and spine is in its natural curve position, it is excellent pose for meditation as the body is alert and not stressed. This will prevent yogi from dozing off during the meditation at the same time makes it easier to sit in meditation, which is essential in the long run for the Sadhana.
This asana is very appropriate for Pranayama and it helps to move the flow of Prana from the lower spine to to head as it helps achieve proper spine position required for flow of pranic energy(Life force energy).
Nerves in the lower region of the body is massaged, and it increases the blood flow to the lower region of the body therefore toning lower back and abdomen. This also removes stiffness in knees and ankles.
Related Posts
How to Prepare for Padmasana
Loosening Exercises For Padmasana
Ardh Padmasana
Hello,
I have trying to practice the Padmasana for past couple of weeks during my pooja (for about 35-40 mins). Its a little discomfort for first 2-3 mins, kind of better till next 20mins. But my ankles ache a lot for rest 10-15 mins. I literally cannot walk after that and takes at least 5 mins to get my feet back to normal.
I thought it would pain at first but later on, I can make it. But I guess my ankle not able to support that asana. They start aching after a while.
I am just 24,female. Kindly let me know why I am not able to do this. I am very curious and kind of determined to practice it
Hello,
I have been trying to practice the Padmasana for past couple of weeks during my pooja (for about 35-40 mins). Its a little discomfort for first 2-3 mins, kind of better till next 20mins. But my ankles ache a lot for rest 10-15 mins. I literally cannot walk after that and takes at least 5 mins to get my feet back to normal.
I thought it would pain at first but later on, I can make it. But I guess my ankle not able to support that asana. They start aching which forces me to change my posture to normal.
I am just 24,female. Kindly let me know why I am not able to do this. I am very curious and kind of determined to practice it.
Hi.
I have observed that major reason for ankle pain is due to the high amount of stress on the ankle when it rests on the opposite thigh. This happens when the knee is too stiff. I would suggest that you try out loosening exercise mentioned in http://www.headfirstyoga.com/2009/01/loosening-exercises-for-padmasana-lotus.html.
Also keep changing the legs more frequently.
-Regards
Nilendu
Thank you for your prompt reply. I shall try to do tht.
God Bless you !
Hav a grt day !