Take your yoga practice to the next level and try these advanced asanas for overall fitness and health
Yoga for the uninitiated is a calm exercise in breathing right while maintaining the right body posture. But if you are one to experiment and push the proverbial envelope, then these advanced yoga postures are for you. Intense as they are, the after-effects are just as calming. They help increase blood circulation, fight sluggishness and aid better functioning of the endocrine glands, thereby increasing agility and giving the body much relaxation.
Vasisthanasana This asana is dedicated to Sage Vasistha, author of several Vedic hymns like Mandala of Rig Veda, hence called Vasisthasana. This resembles Side Plank with holding one leg straight up. This asana strengthens the wrist and legs as well as tones the lumbar and coccyx regions of the spine.
Sirsasana Sirsasana, also called the headstand is the king of all asanas. It is an advanced asana, and people with spinal problems ie. neck, back, waist region should consult a doctor before doing it. It benefits the sense organs, helps blood supply to the endocrine glands as well as the brain, improving functioning. Doing a split in Sirsasana is an advanced practice. With enough practice, the spine gets stronger and one can split open the legs without losing balance, depending on the flexibility of legs.
Hanumanasana This asana is dedicated to Hanuman, the powerful monkey chief and commemorates his prodigious leaps to cross the seas and Himalayas. It resembles the side split of Western ballet. The legs are split in front and back while the torso is twisted in front. It cures sciatica, strengthens abductor muscles and improves flexibility of legs and spine.
Upavishtha konasana This asana refers to a seated angle. It gives same benefits of Samakonasana — prevents hernia and sciatica, improves leg flexibility, helps blood circulation in pelvic region and keeps genital organs healthy. For women, it also regulates menstrual cycle and stimulates the ovaries.
Samakonasana In Samakonasana, the legs and the pelvic region are in a straight line. This asana resembles the Open Second Split of Western ballet. It opens up the hip flexors and improves flexibility of the leg muscles. It helps blood circulation in the pelvic region and keeps genital organs healthy. It prevents hernia and relieves sciatica pains.
Urdhva prasarita ekapadasana U rdhva Prasarita Ekapadasana means standing on one leg, bending forward while the other leg is extended upright and stretched high. The asana tones the leg muscles and reduces fat around the hips.
Utthita hasta padangusthasana Standing on one leg, extend the other leg up, holding the toe or foot of the extended leg. It is also called the flag. The asana makes the leg muscles powerful and the balance gives steadiness and poise.
—The writer is a fashion stylist and runs a wellness company.
