Sadhana Ashtavakrasana

BENGALURU: For regular yogis they can deepen their practice by chanting Om Ashtavakrayee Namha. This will help them heal mind related problems. It strengthens the mind and helps to connect with body.

How to practise:

•     Stand with feet shoulder-distance apart
•     Bend knees, place right hand between feet and left hand in front of your left foot
•     Palm should rest firmly on floor
•     Lift right leg and place thigh on right upper arm above elbow
•     Bring the left foot forward between palms, closer to the right foot
•     Place left foot on right ankle and interlock lift both the legs up from floor
•     Stretch both the legs to right side
•     Make sure right arm is between the thighs
•     Right elbow should be slightly bend below thigh for better balance, left upper arm being straight
•     Strike balance on arms
•     With exhale bend elbows and lower torso and head till it is parallel to floor.
•     Hold this position for as long as you are comfortable and breathe rhythmically.
•     Straighten arms and torso and slowly come out of final position
•     Return to step one and repeat with left leg

Benefits

• This posture boosts the flow of energy across the body and develops the nervous control throughout body and mind
•  Strengthens arms, wrists, shoulder, chest, buttock, leg and stomach
•  Massages the internal abdominal organs through contraction of upper body

Caution

•     People suffering from heart ailments, high BP, back problems should not perform this asana.

Grand Master Akshar, Akshar Power Yoga Academy, #4004, 100 Feet Road, Indiranagar akshar@aksharyoga.com