Namaste everyone. Hope all readers have geared up for holidays and new year. New year comes with new hope and fresh energy. It prepares one to take new challenges with new vigor. And for so many of us, it also inspires them to take new vows and resolutions. For most of us, life is a race and unknowingly we keep running nonstop day and night and months and years without even noticing whats happening around us. Lets pause for a while and comprehend on the purpose of life. Lets understand that life is not a race as we even don’t know when it is going to end. And while being in this mad race, we spoil our mental as well as physical health. For relishing happiness, we need to have a healthy body and mind. Lets take a resolution to include Yoga in our daily routine. Yoga can give you peace, energy and ultimately purpose.
This week we are going to focus on Supta Vajrasana or sleeping thunderbolt yoga pose which is an advanced and reclined version of Vajrasana where the upper part of the body bends backwards and the rear rests on the ground. It deals with improving our digestive system, abdominal organs and nerve system.
Supta Vajrasana (sleeping thunderbolt pose)
Steps for Supta Vajrasana
- Sit in vajrasana. Slowly bend back, taking the support of first the right elbow and arm and then the left.
- Bring the top of the head to the ground, arching the back.
- Find the balance in this position, then place the hands on the thighs.
- Try to keep the knees in contact with the floor. If necessary, separate the knees. Care should be taken not to strain the muscles and ligaments of the thighs and knees by forcing the knees to touch the ground in the final position.
- Close the eyes and relax the body.
- Breathe deeply and slowly in the final position.
- Return to the starting position by breathing in and taking the support of the elbows and arms to return to vajrasana.
Breathing:
- Deep but slow
Awareness: On the crown of the head, neck, lower back, abdomen or breath.
Sequence: Follow supta vajrasana with a forward bending asana. The most convenient counter pose is shashankasana or child pose since it may be performed immediately from vajrasana without unnecessary body movement.
Contra-indications: people suffering from neck problems, sciatica, slipped disc, sacral ailments or knee complaints should not practice this posture.
Benefits:
- This asana massages the abdominal organs, alleviating digestive ailments and constipation. It tones the spinal nerves, makes the back flexible and realigns rounded shoulders. The nerves in the neck and the thyroid gland are particularly influenced. The chest is stretched and expanded to full capacity, filling the lungs and bringing more oxygen into the system. It is beneficial for those suffering from asthma, bronchitis and other lung ailments. It loosens up the legs in preparation for sitting in meditation asanas.
Practice note:
- Never leave the final position by straightening the legs first, as this may dislocate the knee joints. Return to vajrasana first and then straighten the legs.
