“Sthiram sukham asanam”. The sloka means Asanas are that postures, which give us stability and comfort. Example: Padmasana, Savasana. If you have practiced yoga then you might have at least heard about asanas.
Based on the position of doing a particular asana, it’s divided into three types.
- Sitting Asanas.
- Standing Asanas.
- Lying down Asanas.
Of these there are two sub divisions supine postures and prawn postures. Asanas are special patterns of postures that stabilize the mind and body through static stretching.
Why do Asanas?
- Establish proper blood flow throughout the body.
- Improve general muscle tone.
- Improve neuro-muscular tone.
As the two basic principles governing the performance of Asana are stability and comfort, asanas are psycho neurological. Asanas should be performed effortlessly. It should be maintained for some time. Care should be taken, not to jerk while performing an asana. Again keep in mind that the performance of an Asana should not lead to undue fatigue.
Major classification of Asanas
- Meditative Asanas.
- Cultural Asana.
- Relaxative Asanas.
Meditative Asanas are sitting postures, that which maintains the body in a steady and comfortable condition. By various arrangements of legs and hands, different Meditative Asanas are performed. We have to keep in mind that head, neck and trunk should be erect.eg: Padmasana, Vajrasana.
Cultural Asanas involves stretching, which brings about proper tone of muscles. It stimulates proper functioning of vital organs in the thoracic and abdominal cavities. It increases the flexibility of the spine. It makes back and spinal muscles stronger. There are innumerable varieties of Cultural Asanas, which are performed in sitting, lying down and standing positions.eg: Dharurasana, Padahasthasana, Shalabhasana, and Bhujangasana.
Relaxative Asanas are a few in numbers. They are performed in lying position and are meant for giving rest to the body and mind. E.G: shavasana.
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