Yoga is an ancient method practised in India. There are different forms of yoga that helps the humans to heal differently. Every yoga form has different types of yoga asanas.
One of the profound yoga forms that is widely practised and is the base of most of the yoga sequences is Hatha Yoga.One of the wonderful poses of Hatha Yoga is Vakrasana Yoga.
Vakrasana is known as one of the most beneficial twisting asanas.If we divide the word Vakrasana into two, then the meaning will come out. Vakra stands for twist, and asana stands for the yoga posture.
This is a gentle method of twisting, calming, and stretching our spinal cord. This is a controlled twisting pose that helps with various body problems.
Vakrasana is considered to be very simple, safe, and very effective for beginner, intermediate, and even the advanced level of yoga practitioners.
The pose is slow and includes simple steps. Vakrasana has its roots in the ancient Indian yogic practices. It is mentioned in the Hatha Yoga.
Vakrasana is also mentioned in ancient classical texts of yoga like Gheranda Samhita and Hatha Pradipika. Hatha Yoga explains Vakrasana as a beneficial pose for treating Nadi, maintaining inner mind and body balance.
Even the different variations of Vakrasana are also mentioned in the classical texts of Kundalini Yoga and even in modern yoga therapies. Talking about the benefits of Vakrasana, it is advantageous to the human body, soul, and mind in various ways.
In this blog, we will understand everything about Vakrasana, how it is performed, and how it is used to benefit humankind. So, read till the end to uncover the lesser-known facts of Vakrasana it uses in the world of yogis!
Let's understand how you can perform the Vakarasana. The steps are as follows:
Firstly, find a calm and peaceful space to practice this ancient yoga.
Sit in Dandasana pose
Make sure that your spine is expanded upward and you are taking a few conscious and deep breaths.
Make sure that every breath you are taking is connected to the movement of the spine, and it is relaxing each part and cell of your body.
Start with your left leg and bring the left knee right near your chest.
Now hold your left foot and bring it outside the right side of your knee.
Now place your left elbow outside your left knee.
Twist, make your upper body twist towards the left, while your elbow is placed outside.
Make sure that your hand is placed on the floor near your right knee, next.
The pose says that your body should be in the same direction in which your knee is bending.
And in this pose, your knee is bent towards the left side, and your body should also be twisted towards the left.
Breathe deeply and keep twisting your body to the left as per your capability, next.
The next step is placing your left hand near your lower back, behind you. While doing this, keep your spinal cord raised and balance your body, next.
As you exhale, keep raising your spinal cord and twisting it as much as it is possible.
Now gently release the pose and relax in Dandasana.
Now you have to repeat the stretch with either position.
This Vakarasana procedure helps you to work on the entire spinal cord. It also helps you to imbibe the benefits of breath work. The twist involved in Vakarasana in the upper body ensures a great grip of the lower back as well as the hips.
This pose also helps you in mastering the other Hatha Yoga postures. When you exhale while your body is moving, your body becomes more flexible, and your inner organs work better. It offers great flexibility and strength and physical strength.
Vakrasana can be performed using various variations:
Ardha pose in Vakrasana means the half-twisted spinal cord pose. As mentioned above, the whole step can be followed to perform this type of Vakrasana. Ardha means half, and Vakra means twisted. In this Vakrasana, the spinal cord is twisted towards one direction while being in a sitting pose, as mentioned above.
This is very helpful in toning the organs of the gut and improving digestive issues. It also helps in relieving gut disorders like constipation, indigestion, etc. It is also a strengthener of the waist and lower back. It also tones your spine as well as your hips. It improves the posture and makes the body much more aware and flexible.
It also helps in restoring the nervous system and mental health by releasing stress. It is highly recommended for those who are at the beginner level of yoga practice. Because it is easy, and it is a seated pose that makes it easy to execute.
Meru Vakrasana:
Now, when Vakrasana is performed in a seated position, it is called Meru Vakrasana. Meru stands for the column ofthe spine, and Vakra, as usual, stands for twisting posture. In this asana, the spinal cord is kept straight, and it is gently rotated to one side.
This is a great pose for increasing the flexibility of the spinal cord and strengthening the tissues and muscles of the lower back. Meru Vakrasana also helps in improving the functioning of the nervous system and also helps in improving the posture. In short, when Vakrasana is performed while sitting, it is called Meru Vakrasana. You can also use various kinds of props in it to make it easier.
Supta Vakrasana:
Supta means reclined or a position in which we sleep. Therefore, when Vakrasana is performed by lying down, it is known as Supta. This helps in relaxing the body in a much better way. It helps in releasing the tension from the body. It helps in relaxing the lower back, shoulders, and hip area.
It also helps in improving the digestive functioning of the body and tones up the abdominal organs. If you are suffering from gastritis or constipation and indigestion, or other such issues, then the Supta variation of Vakrasana can be very helpful.
For those finding a holistic way to treat stress, insomnia and fatigue, they can also perform this relaxing Vakrasana. Supta posture makes Vakrasana much more relaxed and rejuvenating. It also helps in preparing the body for rest!
Vakarasana helps the body, soul, and mind in various ways. The top benefits of this pose are as follows:
Vakarasana helps in adding flexibility and mobility to the spinal column and tunes the muscles and ligaments. It also helps in improving the elasticity and flexibility of the whole body and muscles.
Digestive disorders can be treated using Vakarasana. The wonderful twist in this pose helps in massaging the abdominal organs and stimulating them like liver, pancreas, intestine, stomach, etc. It helps in digestion and alleviates the various gut-related problems like indigestion, constipation, etc., by naturally detoxing the whole body and gut.
If you are suffering from back pain or poor posture, then adding Vakarasana in your yoga schedule daily can help in attaining good body posture as well as reducing back pain. This yoga pose is proven to help people living a sedentary lifestyle.
Long hours of sitting can harm your back. Therefore, this pose helps in maintaining the health of your lower back and spinal region.
Mental health benefits of this pose are tremendous. Vakarasana helps in adding mindfulness to your life. It calms your mind and helps you to enhance your brain power. It also relaxes the mind. It also helps in decreasing stress, enhancing concentration and ensuring a body-mind balance.
If you are suffering from conditions like diabetes, then this is a great bodywork that you can perform. This yoga pose helps in regulating the blood sugar levels and is a safe yoga style for those looking for diabetes management, that too naturally.
Good blood flow is another beautiful benefit of this asana. The wonderful stretch during the pose helps in ensuring good blood circulation throughout the body and mind. It also helps in gaining good physical health.
