HATHA YOGA BASIC POSTURES AND BENEFITS

SUN SALUTATION A gentle and complete warming up exercise which promotes flexibility of the spine and limbs. Helps develop attunement to solar energy - the life-force all around us.

SHOULDERSTAND Strengthens and balances thyroid gland, which promotes the growth and general health of the body. Centralises the blood supply in the spinal column and helps to keep the spine elastic. Encourages circulation and gives the heart a rest. Tones mental faculties and helps cure insomnia and depression. Stimulates flow of life force to all organs of the body.

PLOUGH All regions of the spine and back are stretched releasing stress and blockages. Stimulates the spinal nerves and brings increased blood supply to the area. Nourishes and massages many of the internal organs. Brings relaxation and mental poise. Stimulates stomach, spleen, small intestine, heart, liver, gall bladder and kidney meridians.

BRIDGE Counter-pose to the Shoulderstand and Plough, assists in releasing tension along the spine.

FISH Stimulates para-thyroid glands which regulates calcium. Removes stiffness along the upper spine. Corrects rounded shoulders, helps relieve asthma and improves lung capacity. Regulates moods and emotions. Relieves stress and agitation. Relieves energy blocks from the lung, stomach and spleen meridians.

FORWARD BEND Complete stretch to the spine, hips and legs. Powerfully massages abdominal organs. Counteracts obesity. Regulates pancreas. Gently enhances concentration and endurance. Invigorates the mind and nervous system. Balances life-force, centring energy aiding mediation and perennial youth.

COBRA Increases flexibility and blood supply, rejuvenates spinal nerves. Massages back and abdomen and expands ribs. Helps to relieve many utero-ovarine and menstrual problems. Strengthens concentration. Stimulates life-force flow and kundalini (latent potential).

LOCUST Brings flexibility to the upper back and strengthens the lower back, abdominals and improves digestion and respiration. Encourages concentration and perseverance. Stimulates life-force flow in lung, stomach, heart, spleen, bladder meridians. Improves digestive fire.

BOW Massages and invigorates the internal organs and muscles. Brings a full backward stretch to all muscles. Expands chest and improves elasticity of the spine. Develops internal balance and concentration. Gives vigour and vital energy.

SPINAL TWIST Gives a lateral stretch helping elasticity, muscular/joint problems, and internal organs. Helps to cure disorders of the nervous system, raises kundalini (potential spiritual energy)

PEACOCK Brings a tremendous massage to the abdominal area, curing many stomach disorders. Develops great strength in the arms and wrists. Leads to perfect balance and deeply develops concentration and determination. Removes blockages of energy to abdominal area.

TREE Develops physical balance, mental concentration and single-mindedness of thought.

STANDING FORWARD BEND Complete stretch to the spine and back of legs, invigorating nerves, bringing flexibility. Improves concentration, expels laziness. Purifies central spinal meridian.

TRIANGLE Gives a complete lateral stretch to the body, and benefits previous postures. Alleviates anxiety and hypochondria, stimulates and steadies life-force flow.

CORPSE POSE Brings complete relaxation to the body. Encourages deep breathing. Helps soothe nerves, balance emotions and calm the mind.

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