International Day of Yoga 2018: Padmasana, The Steps and Benefits of The Lotus Pose
Its spiritual benefits aside, the Padmasana is a powerful pose with many health benefits.
Have you ever paid attention towards pictures of Hindu gods and seers? They sit in a meditative posture, which is a slight variant of the Sukhasana pose. The asana is called Padmasana or the lotus pose. It is commonly used while meditating and has spiritual significance. The lotus, after which the asana is named, is associated with virtues of enlightenment, detachment, purity and renewal. Its spiritual benefits aside, the Padmasana is a powerful pose with many health benefits. As part of our countdown to International Day of Yoga 2018, today we explore Padmasana, its steps and its many benefits.
What Does Padmasana Mean?
The word Padma means lotus in Sanskrit. If you perform the asana correctly, the final posture resembles a lotus. The asana is named after the flower also as a metaphor for its spiritual qualities. Gods such as Shiva, Buddha, etc. are seen sitting in the Padmasana in pictures.
How To Perform Padmasana
• Sit with your legs stretched out.
• Bend your right knee and place your right leg on your left thigh in such a way that your feet should be on your thigh.
• Repeat the same with our left leg.
• The soles of your feet should be facing upwards with the heels close to your abdomen.
• Join your fingers in the Dhyana Mudra and keep your hands on your knees.
• Breathe in and out normally.
In case your legs aren't very flexible, try the asana on one leg or Ardha-Padmasana or half Padmasana.
Benefits of Padmasana
The Padamasan posture benefits women mainly because it improves blood circulation towards the abdomen, improving menstrual health. It relieves muscular tension and improves blood circulation. It improves spinal alignment and promotes lightness in the body. It keeps your pelvis, abdomen and bladder healthy. Padmasana also has a calming effect on the mind and restores energy levels in the body.
Caution
Padmasana is not an easy posture that can be mastered at one go. So be realistic and avoid staying in the asana for too long if it aches. Do not let your legs go numb. It can cause a lot of discomfort and in extreme cases, a meniscus tear. If you have had an ankle and knee injury, do not perform the asana without consulting an experienced teacher or a physician.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 09, 2018 08:36 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).