The range of Yoga and its capabilities spread wide across the world, but ultimately there are so many different ways to practice. A lot of Yoga is simply breath work, but there are also so many different postures in yoga that can do all types of things for your body. Here at Body Positive Works, we move through breath and postural practices inspired by traditional Hatha yoga. Additionally, we take time to pause and reflect on what is happening within the physical body and the emotional body. Props are offered and encouraged to remind ourselves that support and self-care are essential both on and off the mat. This transformative practice focuses highly on the individual experience, with emphasis on our uniqueness in body, breath, and heart.
Practicing different asanas (poses) in Hatha Yoga can help with posture, flexibility, calmness, etc. Knowing what each asana can do is vital to a great yoga practice. With all of that being said, though, knowing what is the best for your specific practice is most important, as the whole point is to be one with your own mind, body, and spirit. Here are a few different Yoga types of Poses and their benefits. This may be a great way to not only learn more about yoga and its capabilities but how to benefit your yoga practice or add new things to your routine.
Sukhasana or Easy Pose
Sukhasana, or easy pose, is a simple cross-legged sitting asana, also used for meditation. This pose is especially perfect for beginners because it allows one comfort and simplicity. This pose has amazing physical benefits like reducing anxiety, stress, and mental tiredness. Additionally, It helps with better body posture and stretches the chest and spine. But it also goes far beyond the horizons of the physical dimension and gives a spiritual bliss.
Bhujangasana or Cobra Stretch
Bhujangasana or Cobra Pose is a reclining back-bending asana and modern yoga as exercise. It is known as the corrector of the curvature and makes the spine flexible. The curve structure of the asana massages the deep back muscles, spine, and nerves. It can also be a great asana for one who struggles with arthritis and lower back pain. Along with this, this pose has the capability to relieve menstrual problems by stretching the uterus and ovaries. Along with the physical benefits, Bhujangasana also releases stress through invigorating adrenal glands and kidneys.
Shirsasana or Headstand
Shirsasana or headstand is one of the most challenging asanas but with these challenges come remarkable benefits. Physically, it improves blood circulation, gives strength to the respiratory system, improves concentration and memory. This pose involves so many parts of your body too. It involves the brain, spine, and entire nervous system and stimulates the pituitary and pineal glands. It also has amazing mental benefits like anxiety relief.
Halasana or Plough Pose
The halasana, or plough pose, opens up the spinal disc and also aims to maintain a youthful spinal system- for its main purpose is to stretch the spinal muscles. Additionally, it also releases a lot of tension that builds up in your arms, shoulders, and spine. As it stretches the spinal muscles It has the power to cure indigestion and neck pain and stiffness revitalizing internal organs.
These four poses are four of many in Hatha yoga that have amazing mental, physical and spiritual benefits for your wellness. Although some are easy and some more challenging, practicing these whether it’s at home or in a studio can benefit you in many different ways. Whether you have never tried yoga before or consider yourself a Yogi, opening your mind up to everything, challenging yourself, and calming down the mind and body can be so beneficial to your wellbeing.
