PAVANAMUKTASANA

As its name suggests, this asana gives relief from excess wind in the belly. This asana can be performed by raising one leg or both the legs.

Technique : Lie flat on the back. Keep the heels of both the legs together. Inhale deeply and bend the right knee towards the stomach and hold it with both the hands. Raise the head above the ground and bring the chin closer to the knee so that it touches the knee-cap. Exhale and press the muscles of the right abdomen with the right thigh. Keep the stomach pressed till the breath is suspended. This asana is called ‘Dakshina Pavanamuktasana’. If this asana is performed with the left leg, it is called ‘Vama pavanmuktasana’. Practice this exercise with both the legs together. This is called ‘Purna Pavanmuktasana’. While holding the legs with both the hands, exhale and control the breathing. Then slowly begin inhaling while stretching legs out. (Women are advised not to practice this asana after conception.

Advantages :

(1) Pavanamuktasana is the best natural way to get rid of foul gases.

(2) It reduces obesity of the body and the fat around the abdomen.

(3) It prevents heart-trouble and improves the working of the lungs.

(4) This asana cures diseases such as gas, constipation, the disorders of the uterus, intestinal worms, appendix, rheumatism, piles, blood-impurities, windiness in the stomach, etc.

AKARNA DHANURASANA

This asana resembles a strung bow. So it is called akarna Dhanurasana. There are two methods of practicing this asana.

Technique 1 : Sit on the ground. Stretch the legs in front. Hold the toe of the right foot with the left hand. Hold the left leg with the right hand and try to stretch the right elbow backwards as far as possible. Now bend the left leg slowly. Bring the left foot to the chin and the left knee to the left armpit. This position will bring the thigh close to the abdomen. Hold the breath and then exhale slowly. Repeat the pose on the other leg. Gradually, increase the time duration of holding the posture maximum to five minutes.

Technique 2 : Sit on the floor with the legs stretched in front. Lift the left leg up and hold it with the left hand behind the neck In such a way that the thumb remains forward near the ankle and the fingers behind the thumb. The weight of the leg falls on the palm. Then with the right hand hold the upper part of the left foot with its heel. Place the shin on the neck. Turn the neck towards the right side. Stretch the left arm and hold the right toes. At the same time, lift the right arm up and hold the left toes. Look to the right side. Then release the legs slowly. Repeat this asana with the other leg. Gradually, increase the time of holding the posture maximum to five minutes.

Advantages : (1) The practice of his asana gives full exercise to the joints of the hands and the legs, the joints and the muscles of the neck and the spine. It revitalizes them.

(2) It tones up the chest and the abdominal organs.

(3) Those who suffer from asthma, tuberculosis and cough get relief they practice this asana.

(4) As this asana strengthens the lungs, the chest is expanded and it gets the capacity to hold air.

(5) This asana cures the pain in the loins, tonsillitis, indigestion, constipation, the tumour in the armpit, gout, pain in the legs, etc.

(6) This asana alleviates women’s complaints of irregular menstruation, the disorders of ovary and pain in the lower part of the abdomen.