Yoga can work wonders for the body in terms of shape, weight loss, balanced mind and breathing among others.
International Day of Yoga is just around the corner. Ever year, the day is celebrated on June 21 across the globe. A physical, mental and spiritual practise, Yoga oriented in ancient India. Yoga helps our body, mind and soul in way one can’t even imagine.
Having been originated in India, Yoga is largely followed in the West too as it has amazing health benefits. It can work wonders for the body in terms of shape, weight loss, balanced mind and breathing among others. Lets go through some common Yoga asanas and the great benefits they offer:
1. Halasana Or Plough Pose
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Halasana stretches the spinal muscles and opens up the spinal disc hence, working you spinal system. It works to release tension from your arms, spine and shoulders. Having many benefits, Halasana is great for fighting obesity, curing indigestion and constipation. It also beneficial for a radiant skin.
How to do- Lie on your back with hands placed firmly on each side. Now lift both legs and slowly make a 90 degree angle, then gradually make a 180 degree angle with your legs.
(Instagram/Malaika Arora)
2. Dhanurasana Or Bow Pose
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Dhanurasana stretches your entire body and makes your back flexible. While aiding in weight loss and digestion, it also boosts blood circulation.
How to do- Lie straight on your stomach. Keep hands on feet and pull backwards. As the name suggests, body should make a bow-like posture.
(Instagram/Malaika Arora)
3. Naukasana Or Boat Pose
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Naukasana stretches the abdominal muscles of your body and improve their efficiency. It also reduces belly fat and improves digestion.
How to do-Lie on your back with legs together. Keep hands on your thighs, slowly raise your legs without bending and make a 30 degree angle with your body.
(Instagram/Malaika Arora)
4. Gomukhasana or Cow Face Pose
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Gomukhasana stretches the hips, arms, thighs and back and helps in muscle relaxation.
How to do- Sit with straight legs and bend your left knee under your right leg. Bring the left foot beside your right hip. Now bend the right knee over the left one. Try to keep the knee over the knee. Try to place your right foot beside the left hip. Bend your right elbow while bringing the right palm behind the upper back (palm facing backward). Keep your left arm down only and bend the elbow bringing the palm to the mid-back. Try to hook your fingers.
(Instagram/Malaika Arora)
5. Sarvangasana Or Shoulder Stand
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Sarvangasana means asana of ‘all parts’. It includes the thyroid gland and stimulates metabolism, protein synthesis, and blood circulation. It also strengthens muscles and decreases the chances of kidney and bone disease. Sarvangasana also reduces insomnia, depression and mental anxiety. It also beneficial for a radiant skin.
How to do- Lie on your back. Slowly raise your legs and stand on your shoulder while keeping hands on your waist for support.
(Instagram/Malaika Arora)
6. Malasana or Yoga Squat Pose
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Also known as the ‘Asian Squat’, Malasana helps to stretch the groin and lower back. It also tones the belly and releases tension in the hips and knees.
How to do- Stand with you feet parallel, slightly wider than the hips. Then bend knees and slowly lower down the pelvis until the hips go lower than the knees. While keeping you back straight, join your arms in a prayer position.
(Instagram/Malaika Arora)
7. Sukhasana Or Easy Pose
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This is the perfect asana for beginners. Sukhasana corrects body posture while stretching the chest and spine. It also works wonders in reducing anxiety, stress and mental tiredness.
How to do- Tuck you legs inside opposite thighs while keeping your spine vertically straight. Place your hands on the knees and breathe in and out.
(Instagram/Malaika Arora)
8. Bhujangasana Or Cobra Stretch
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Bhujangasana makes the spine flexible and is also known as the corrector of the curvature. The asana massages the deep back muscles, spine and nerves. Not only is it great for people with lower back pains and arthritis, but it also receives menstrual problems by stretching the uterus and ovaries.
How to do- Lie on the floor on your stomach. Keep hands on the floor and lift your upper body and stretch while making a C.
(Instagram/Malaika Arora)
9. Adho Mukha Svanasana or Downward Facing Dog
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Adho Mukha Svanasana provides a full body stretch and awakening. It benefits the entire body by building stronger hands and wrists and also relieved lower back pain. It also helps reduce symptoms of menstruation and menopause as well as helping prevent osteoporosis.
How to do- How to do - Come on to your fours. Lift your hips, strengthen the knees and elbows as you breathe in. Keep hands and legs parallel to each other.
(Instagram/Divya Yoga)
10. Kakasana Or Crow Pose
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Kakasana stretches the muscles of your arms, forearms and wrists. It helps in improving your concentration power, wipe out sluggishness and enhance mental and physical balance. While this asana makes the body and mind feel light, it is a bit difficult to perform and can only be done after plenty of practise.
How to do- Squat while keeping both legs sightly apart. Place hands on the floor, apart from each other and lift your body.
(Instagram/Nayogane)
