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Gomukhasana

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ETYMOLOGY: in Sanskrit, ‘go’ means cow, and ‘mukha’ face. Consequently, GOMUKHA refers to something resembling the face of a cow. Moreover, in India there is a musical instrument named GOMUKHA, thin on one end and wide at the other like a cow’s face. GOMUKHASANA may be thus translated as ‘the pose of the cow’s head’.

GENERAL GUIDELINES:
The importance of this asana derives also from the place it occupies in the secret yogic treatises. In the description of the 32 asana-s in GHERANDHA SAMHITA, GOMUKHASANA is placed on the eighth place. Moreover, in the HATHA YOGA PRADIPIKA, Gomukhasana occupies the third place in the presentation of the most important 11 asana-s.

 

 


 

 


 


 

 

 

Simhasana

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ETYMOLOGY:
The English for the Sanskrit SIMHA is lion. Simhasana is consequently the lion pose.
Symbolically, the roaring lion reveals the mysteries of Life. The lion is glorified under different forms in all traditional Eastern texts. In India, for example, it represents both the country and the people.

The lion is generally considered as the noblest and the strongest, an example of virtue, greatness, fidelity and morality.

It is rightfully considered the king of the animals.

It also represents the image of the father, of paternal power and also of the Supreme Divine Force, God.

GENERAL GUIDELINES:
Every human being has to deal with the impetuosity, ferocity and dynamism of its own “animal” nature in interaction with pure love and devotion.
The practice of this asana sublimates the “animal” nature, the human being is thus able to discover his/her profound, supreme nature.

The practice of this asana endows the practitioner with the psychic, moral and spiritual force he/she needs in order to easily overcome the brutal forces and the animalc passions he/she might still have. From a spiritual point of view, this asana may be said to confer a great inner discrimination, easily discerning between the false and the true.

This pose makes the practitioner resonate with the essential characteristics of the lion: virtue, greatness and courage!

 

 

 

 

BENEFICIAL EFFECTS:
It acts efficiently on the muscles of the neck, face, and jaw. The focus of the eyes towards the middle of the forehead determines a harmonious development of the muscles of the ocular globes, and at the same time this area is flooded with an additional flow of blood, determining the regeneration of the optical nerves. This kind of look sharpens the eyesight and improves their state of health.
The practice of this asana progressively establishes a good function of the thyroid, but it is forbidden in cases of hyperthyroidism.
The imitation of yawning, through the opening of the mouth induces a state of relaxation shortly after.
The stretching of the tongue acts on the pharynx-plexus, and on the vocal cords, rendering a sweet tonality to the voice.
Its practice restores the elasticity to the ankles, hips and knees, and the dorsal area is relaxed and elasticized.
The genitalia regain their good functioning. Through the practice of this asana, virility is highly amplified and the sexual efficiency is also higher.
Through its practice, you may also achieve a better degree of control and mastery to what sexual continence is concerned.
It cures flu and cold.
It is recommended that shy persons practice this asana, as it awakens and increases courage.

The great contemporary Yogi said about Simhasana: “the body of its practitioner will radiate a strong energy, like that of a lion. And just as the lion, one of the most powerful and courageous beings, yet self-disciplined, the yogi practitioner of this asana will develop his/her strength and virility. They will soon become more in control of themselves and more disciplined in their actions as well as reactions.”

The famous yogic treatise the GHERANDHA SAMHITA states: “Simhasana was often praised by the enlightened yogis as it helps in the practice of the three fundamental contractions in Yoga – MULA BANDHA, JALANDARA BANDHA and UDDIYANA BANDHA, and it guarantees the appearance and strengthening of the paranormal capacities (SIDDHI).”

CONCLUSION:
This asana has as fundamental effect the destruction of the ego.
It annihilates the vanity, gradually awakening pure love and devotion.
Through the practice of this asana the perseverant practitioner will find physical, psychical, and spiritual balance, gaining at the same time strength, inner force, self-confidence and sense of duty.
From a “subtle” point of view, the practice of this asana generates fidelity, devotion and humility in the practitioner.

Chakrasana

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The importance of this asana lies in the fact that it makes the spine more elastic.

 

BENEFICIAL EFFECTS

Chakrasana tones the whole organism, adding dynamism and youth to our state of mind. It makes the spine more elastic, and releases the tensions present here.

  • Effects on the muscles: while practicing this asana, the musculature of the spine should be as relaxed as possible. This pose stretches the abdominal musculature, while fortifying the muscles of the arms and feet.
  • Effects on the bones and ligaments: the accentuated curve of the spine makes it supple and mobile. The action on the ligaments and tendons of the spine has important effects on the nervous activity.
  • Effects on the nervous system: as Chakrasana acts on the spine by stretching it, it generates reflex actions in the vegetative functions and tones the chains of ganglions situated on both sides of the spine.
  • Effects on the brain: the position of the head ensures a better irrigation of the brain with blood.
  • Effects on the abdominal organs: while practicing this asana, the abdominal cavity considerably modifies its form and volume, which leads to the elimination of the sanguine ptosis, and the congested organs will regain their normal volume.The main areas in which this asana acts are the liver, the pancreas and the stomach.

    Owing to the effervescence that normally follows the practice of Chakrasana, it is advisable that the time for its practice is in the morning or afternoon, but not in the evening.

  • Effects on the heart and lungs: the organs placed above the diaphragm also benefit if you practice this asana, especially the heart, through the stretching of the aorta.The aorta is not a straight duct, it is a kind of extensible spiral, stretched by the pose of your body in Chakrasana.

    The same effect of stretching determines a better function of the lungs and consequently a better state of health of the whole organism.

    If, after practicing Sarvangasana you have a painful sensation of the shoulders, Chakrasana, practiced right after Sarvangasana, will bring relief to this sensation.

    Subtle effects: this asana determines an overall effervescence of the energies in the whole body, and it does not activate a specific chakra. Its effects may be different from one time of practice to another. Our psychic state and our mental attitude are the only elements that determine the effects of this asana. However, after practicing it, you will definitely sense a state of well being and spontaneous enthusiasm.

    The perseverant practice of this asana increases considerably the energy and vitality of the practitioner. It is also highly recommended for dancers.

     

 

Virasana

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ETYMOLOGY:

In Sanskrit, VIRA means man, in the virile sense of the term. Moreover, because a man was considered a hero as well, the term VIRA symbolizes the heroic man. Consequently, VIRASANA is “the Pose of the Hero” or “the Virility Pose”.

GENERAL GUIDELINES:

This asana has many different names: Guptasana, or “the hidden pose”, SAMKATHASANA (SAMA means the same or equal, and KATHA means hips).




BENEFICIAL EFFECTS

This asana acts mainly on the femoral joint and on the sciatic nerve. It has beneficial effects on the male genitalia as well.

It gradually cures sciatica.
If you experience pain in the incipient stages of its practice, do not overdo it.
If you are having a sciatica crisis, and the pain is quite intense, cease the practice of this asana until the crisis is over.

However, for those who intend to practice this asana even during a crisis, very important is the starting position, which has to release the sciatic nerve.
In order to do this, first sit on your knees, and then put the left knee over the right knee (your heels are not close to one another).
Gradually, put the pelvis on the floor, in between your heels. This is for the LEFT SIDE EXECUTION.
In order to perform this asana on its right side, do the same steps, but simply change the left foot with the right.

IMPORTANT NOTE

If you are having problems with the left foot, insist on this asana realized with the right knee on top of the left and vice versa.

Men will “note” an empty space situated between the heel of the first bend foot and the perineum.
This is a big enough hiding-place for the sexual organ.
This particular place is responsible for the name GUPTASANA associated with this asana.

The sexual organ has to be put here before you bend your other knee, which will fix and press the base of the penis, but not the testicles as well.
This thing requires that the practitioner is naked while performing this asana.

This pressure reduces the sanguine flow in the penis.
Virasana acts on the endocrine glands, stimulating the secretion of rejuvenating hormones.

Brahmacharyasana

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ETYMOLOGY:
Brahmacharya means, “restraint, control over all senses and especially over the sexual energy.”
This control involves transmutation of the sexual potential (sperm in man’s case and sexual fluids in woman’s case) into erotic energy and leading this energy to the superior levels of the being.

The control over the sexual energy has to be done both when you have renounced definitely or even temporary at your sexual activity and when you have an intense sexual activity (practiced with sexual continence).

Brahmacharyasana is a position that aids the transmutation of the sexual potential into energy leading it to the superior levels of your being. This position also involves the power of focusing and stimulates the mental control. It allows us to easily reach a state of mental focus doubled by a lucid attention.


 


 


 


 

 

Paschimottanasana

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Etymology:
in Sanskrit, Paschima refers to back or west, and Uttana means extension or bend. Thus, the term “Paschimottanasana” is translated as “the posture of posterior extension”. According to the structure of the Yogic “anatomy”, other parts of the physical body are also associated with cardinal points. Thus, man’s face corresponds to the east, feet – to the south, and head – to the north.

The name of this posture has an esoteric meaning as well: in the secret language of Yogis, the west stands for the central nadi in the subtle anatomy of the human being (corresponding to the spine in the physical structure) that is Sushumna Nadi. Therefore, in some secret texts this posture is referred to as Paschima Marga or “The Western Path”.

Considering its subtle effects that generate accelerated spiritual transformations (owing to the predominant flow of the subtle energy (Pranic energy) through the middle posterior nadi (Sushumna Nadi)) this posture is also known as “The Rising on the Western Path”.

 




 


 

Beneficial effects:
Paschimottanasana strengthens the thighs and tendons. It eliminates arthritic pain, sciatica, sciatic nerve neuralgia, pains in the back, feet, knees and thighs. It leads to the healing of lumbago crisis, ads strengths and resistance to the spine.

For persons with big hips and buttocks this asana is excellent as it harmonizes the physical structure and it is extremely efficient in fighting obesity. This asana also has beneficial effects on the waist, making it thinner, and eliminates the unaesthetic deposits of fat from the abdomen and hips.

It has beneficial effects on all abdominal organs. Liver idleness, dyspepsia (difficult digestion), belch and gastritis are gradually cured.

This posture is recommended for diabetes and hemorrhoids. Constipation is presently cured.

Paschimottanasana has beneficial effects on male prostate and female uterus and eggs. This asana favors a better blood circulation in the entire body and especially in the pelvic area, owing to the extension of this particular region. The sexual glands may easily absorb the necessary quantity of blood, generating as a result an increase in virility. Impotence and sexual weakness are consequently rapidly eliminated.

In addition, this asana eliminates numerous disorders of the bladder, kidneys, intestine and stomach. It induces a healthy and balanced appetite.

Through its practice the lymphatic circulation is normalized, which makes the organism immune to infections. Dermatological diseases are cured. Unpleasant body odors are gradually disappearing through the perseverant practice of this asana. The face becomes radiant and the eyes gain a specific magnetism/a mesmerizing effect.

The practice of this asana, owing to the decongestion of the solar plexus, helps in the diffusion of anxious states. The mind becomes stable and calm, the breath calms down; therefore this asana is indicated to easily irritable beings.

While performing this asana the subtle energies Prana and Apana are unified and directed into the central nadi, Sushumna.

The secret Yogic texts note that the practitioner of this asana must not fear old age. The renowned Yogi Brahmachari even asserted that this asana makes it possible (for the one who practices it correctly and daily) to live up to 300 years and even more. Its effects are directly proportional with the amount of time of practice.

This is the description of Gorakshanatha in Hatha Yoga Pradipika: “Paschimottanasana, first among asanas, directs the flow of Prana Vayu along Sushumna Nadi. This asana stimulates gastric secretion and removes fat from the abdominal area, leaving it supple. It also confers equality and equilibrium to the nerves.”

In some Yogic treatises, owing to its exceptional qualities and numerous beneficial effects, this asana was named Ugrasana (the excellent posture).

Vatayanasana

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ETYMOLOGY: VATA is an Ayurvedic term used for the description of the expulsion of air through different orifices of the body.

Such toxic gas may disturb the body generating headache, stomachache, pain in the area of the heart, as well as aches of the muscles or of the bones.

In some traditional writings, VATTA has the same meaning with Pavana, although this latter means ‘wind’. ‘PAVANA’ is a term used in yogic writings referring to the elimination of the gases through the rectum.

GENERAL GUIDELINES: This asana may be performed by anybody, be it a child, woman, old person. The famous yogi DIRENDRA BRAHMACHARY mentions:
‘VATAYANASANA appears to many as being a simple asana, but in fact its occult mysteries are mastered only by those who practice systematically, under the direct guidance of an authentic GURU.’


 


 


 


 


 

Supta Vajrasana

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ETYMOLOGY: the term ‘Vajra’ has the following meanings: lightning (not thunder), powerful light, weapon of the god Indra, diamond, precious jewel.
In the spiritual teaching known under the name Mahayana, Vajra is the emblem, the attribute of the highest spiritual power.

GENERAL GUIDELINES: Vajra is the name of a subtle nadi, which begins at the end of the masculine genital organ and therefore, Vajra is the esoteric denomination of the penis.

Some Hindu yogis call this asana SUPTA VAJRASANA, fact which confirms that this asana awakens the energy of virility.

In Sanskrit, VIRA means ‘warrior’, ‘hero’, and ‘man’ in the ‘virile’ sense of the term. Virility is understood here in a broader sense – that is it refers to the solar, masculine energies, and is not restricted to the sexual connotation.


 


 


 

Nauli Kriya

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ETYMOLOGY: the term NAULI cannot be found in the dictionaries. However, NAU means boat and LI means “to hold on, to grasp, to adhere to. The purpose of this word’s usage is to suggest the way to perform this technique: the abdominal organs have to be moved vertically and transversally, like the movement of a wave. The undulating movement of a boat on agitated sea also refers to the manner in which the abdominal muscle rolls while performing this technique.
Gheranda Samhita names this technique LAUKIKI YOGA and gives the following description of it in lesson one, sutra 52: “move forcibly the stomach and intestines from one side to the other. This is LAUKIKI YOGA. It destroys all diseases and amplifies the digestive fire.”

Caution: NAULI KRIYA is not an asana. It is a kriya action. In the traditional Yogic texts, nauli is mentioned as one of the six purifying actions (SHAT KARMA) which facilitates complete purification and rejuvenation of the body. At the same time, NAULI KRIYA is one of the most powerful exercises in Hatha Yoga.





BENEFICIAL EFFECTS:
– NAULI is an unprecedented abdominal massage. While performing this technique, the abdominal muscle is massaging the organs. NAULI represents the best modality of fortifying the abdominal muscle.
– At the same time, NAULI constitutes an excellent exercise of improving your control on certain muscles that you hardly ever use individually, and of which very few people are aware. The movement of the abdominal muscle will determine healthier viscera , generating an increased flow of blood in the area, fact which has as result the activation of the nervous plexus and of their fine endings. This will lead to a better co-ordination of the autonomous function characteristic/specific to the abdominal activity.
– The practice of NAULI leads to the acceleration of the gastric secretions. The solar plexus is rapidly decongested and the anxiety accumulated daily is removed naturally.
– However, the effects of this technique are not limited to the digestive duct, as NAULI guarantees an excellent health of the kidneys.
– The liver, one of the most important organs of the body will benefit of a stronger internal circulation and its functioning will be better.
– The bile is quite well massaged during the practice of this technique. The practice of NAULI may also make the eventual stones move, generating their expulsion in quite a number of cases.
– The pancreas will benefit by the practice of NAULI as well. Even if this technique cannot cure diabetes, it may nevertheless ensure a correct function of this gland, including the insulin-producer Langerhans isles.
– Owing to the profound inhalations and exhalations, as well as to the void created in the thoraces while retaining your breath, NAULI contributes to regaining or maintaining the elasticity of your lungs.
– Through the periodicity of pressure during the practice of this technique, the heart is also profoundly massaged. Thus, NAULI constitutes one of the best protections against heart attack. Once you fully master this technique, you will also have your breath under control and you may even feel in your mouth an unusual flavour.
– NAULI makes the practitioner immune to diseases such as: hernia, appendicitis, ulcer, indigestion, constipation, etc.

The fundamental yogic treatise the HATHA YOGA PRADIPIKA asserts:

“Sitting on the toes with heels raised above the ground, and the palms resting on the ground, and in this bent posture the belly is moved forcibly from left to right, just as in vomiting. This is called by adepts the Nauli Karma.

It removes dyspepsia, increases appetite and digestion, and is like the goddess of creation, and causes all happiness. It dries up all the disorders. This is an excellent exercise in Hatha Yoga.”

Prasarita padatanasana

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ETYMOLOGY:
In Sanskrit, “prasarita” means “open”, “stretched”, and “pada” means “foot”.
Prasarita padatanasana is consequently a position of forward flexion as well as a reversed pose.

 




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BENEFICIAL EFFECTS:

The ligaments of the spine are stretched and elasticised. The spine regains soon its correct static and flexibility. The sympathetic ganglions placed next to the spine are stimulated.

The sciatic nerve is released through the practice of this pose, and consequently it eases sciatic pain.

CAUTION!

If the sciatic nerve is irritated, the practise of this asana is forbidden, and if it used to be in your daily programme of asanas, you should cease its practice immediately. The blood flow in the entire body is highly accelerated, especially in the head and trunk.
The blood stases in the abdominal organs are eliminated, the recycled blood is directed towards the heart and lungs, where it is purified.

The muscles of the feet develop harmonious shapes.