Ashtanga Namaskar

Ashtanga Namaskar is a posture which sixth pose in Surya Namaskar sequence and it is done once in each round. Ashtanga mean eight parts of the body in Sanskrit and in this pose eight parts of the body are supposed to be touching the ground.

Steps to Practice Ashtanga Namaskar

1. If you are practicing this in Surya Namaskar sequence then start from Parvat Asana (Mountain Pose) else you can start this by lying on the abdomen on the mat.


2. Make sure that the hands are near the chest. The knees and the feet should touch the ground. Make sure that the elbows are parallel to each other.


3. Now touch the chest and the chin to the ground. Look forward. These are the eight body parts which should be touching the ground.


4. When you practice this pose as a part of Surya Namaskar, it is done while holding the breath also known as Kumbhak. Otherwise you can perform normal breathing.


5. Stay in this pose for few seconds and then move on to next pose with inhalation or come out of this pose slowly if done in isolation.

Benefits of Ashtanga Namaskar

1. This pose results in stronger core, and arms.


2. Helps in digestion problems


3. Beneficial in arthritis of arms

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Vajrasana - Improving Digestive Power

Vajrasana is one of the few asanas which can be performed immediately after taking food. In fact it is also recommended to practice Vajrasana for few minutes after taking food. As per Hindu mythology, Vajra is an weapon which was possessed by Indra, mythological king of various gods or demigods. This weapon was created by the bones of Sage Dadhichi, who sacrificed himself so that his bones could be used for fight against the evil demons.

In some schools of yoga this pose is also known as Virasana (Vir - Warrior or hero). This asana is good for practicing Pranayama and Meditation.

How to Practice Vajrasana?

1. Kneel on a soft surface like folded blanket.


2. Fold the toes inside. Sit on the inside of your heels. The heels should be touching the outside of the buttocks.


3. Keep your hands on the knees and try to keep the spine straight.


4. Close your eyes and relax.


5. Be in the pose for time which is comfortable to you and then come out of it. Usually you should try to sit in this pose for at least 5 minutes.


6. If pain is felt on the ankles then come out of the pose. Again try to get into the pose after some time. Try to increase the time in the pose. One good way to practice this could be sitting in this pose while watching TV or reading a book.

Vajrasana

Vajrasana

Benefits of Vajrasana

1. It is very easy to keep the spine straight in the pose and therefore one of the recommended asanas practicing meditation and pranayamas where you need to keep the straight for long amount of time.


2. People who have frequent muscle pain in the legs benefit from this pose, when practiced regularly for few months.


3. This asana is good for people which problems in digestive systems. There are various acupressure points on the back of the legs which are pressed when sitting in this pose. Sitting in this pose immediately after taking food also makes sure that there is more blood flow to the pelvic region and stomach, which aids in digestion.


4. It makes the ankles flexible and strengthens the legs.


5. It is also supposed to be good for Hernia.

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