International Yoga Day 2019: How Yogasanas Get Their Names; Sanskrit Meanings Explained
Many of these asanas are named after things from everyday life like animals, flowers and elements of nature they resemble. Here are some of the asanas and the things they are inspired by.
International Yoga Day is around the corner and it’s time to bring out your yoga mats and sexy yoga pants. Yoga is an ancient discipline that aims to unify the body and the spirit with the Supreme Being. What we know as yoga commonly refers to Hatha Yoga, a branch of Yoga that deals with spirituality and health. It comprises of yoga poses of yogasanas that if done in the right way can benefit the body and mind in many ways. Many of these asanas are named after things from nature and everyday life they resemble. Here are some of the asanas and the things they are inspired by. International Day of Yoga 2019: Yogasanas for Beginners – How to Get Started.
Adho Mukha Shvanasana or Downward Dog
Adho Mukha Shvanasana means downward (adho mukha) dog (shvana). This asana is one of the most popular asanas that calms the mind, energises the body, relieves menstrual discomfort and improves digestion. Yoga for Sex: Learn How to Improve Your Libido With Asanas This International Day of Yoga 2019.
Watch How to Perform Adomukha Shvanasana:
Bhujangasana or Cobra Pose
Bhujanga in Sanskrit means serpent and asana means pose. This pose resembles that of a cobra who is ready to strike. The benefits of bhujangasana include strengthening the spine, enhancing the health of abdominal organs and healing gynaecological problems.
How to Perform Bhujangasana
Padmasana or Lotus Pose
Padma is lotus in Sanskrit. The asana is named after the flower because it resembles a lotus in full bloom. The asana is one of the basic ones, which eases menstrual discomfort, heals joints and stimulates the abdominal organs.
How to Perform Padmasana:
Navasana or Boat Pose
Nav is boat in Sanskrit. The asana is performed by balancing the body on the buttocks in a V shape. The final pose resembles a boat. Navasana helps in flexing and toning the digestive organs.
Watch How to Perform Navasana:
Dhanurasana or the Bow Pose
This yoga pose is named after a bow or dhanu. Dhanurasana is performed by lying down on the stomach and clasping the ankles. It resembles a bow. The benefits of dhanurasana include strengthening the spine, abdominal organs, reproductive organs, arms and leg muscles.
Watch How to Perform Dhanurasana:
Setu Bandasana or Bridge Pose
Setu Bandasana in Sanskrit means the bridge (setu) pose. This asana helps relax the mind, improve digestion, help respiratory issues and reduce side-effects of menopause. The asana resembles a bridge formed from the body since it involves elevation of the midsection of the body with feet firmly on the ground.
Watch How to Perform Setu Bandasana:
Balasana or Child’s Pose
In balasana, the person’s pose resembles a resting or kneeling child. The asana helps in rejuvenating the nervous system, giving you instant energy. Bala is a child in Sanskrit.
Watch How to Perform Balasana:
Sukhasana or Comfort Pose
Sukh in Sanskrit means comfort, ease or happiness. It’s one of the most basic postures that doesn’t require any effort. Sukhasana is one of the preferred poses for meditation.
Sukhasana
Marjarasana or Cat Pose
Marjarasana is named after cat or marjara in Sanskrit. This asana resembles a cat’s pose on all fours. Marjarasana is good for the spine, thyroid and circulatory system.
Watch How to Perform Marjarasana:
Tadasana or Palm Tree Pose
Tada refers to palm tree in Sanskrit. In the asana, the person stretches the body vertically to resemble a palm tree. It gives a good stretch to the body, massaging the spine, abdomen and legs. Tadasana is also called the mother of asanas.
Watch How to Perform Tadasana:
Parvatasana or Mountain Pose
Parvatasana is named after mountain or parvata in Sanskrit. In this asana, the person sits in Sukhasana and holds joined palms over the head. The hands coming together resembles the summit of a mountain.
Parvatasana:
The benefits of yoga are myriad. Yoga helps rejuvenate the body and the mind. It not only gives you a strong constitution but also empowers your self-esteem. This International Day of Yoga, make a commitment towards a healthy body and mind by practising yoga.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 19, 2019 06:46 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).