Postures
How the asanas work
The asanas are based on five principles:
- The use of gravity: the inverted postures such as the headstand, shoulder stand and the reverse posture take advantage of gravity to increase the
flow of blood to the desired part of the body; in the headstand to the brain, in the shoulder stand to the thyroid gland and in the reverse posture to the gonads (sex
glands).
- Organ massage: the position of the asana causes a squeezing action on a specific organ or gland, resulting in the stimulation of that part of the
body.
- Stretching muscles and ligaments: this causes an increase in blood supply to the muscles and ligaments as well as relaxing them. It also takes
pressure off nerves in the area.
This stretching is involved in all the asanas, since it has such a beneficial effect on the body.
- Deep breathing: while holding the yoga posture we breathe slowly and deeply, moving the abdomen only (abdominal or low breathing). This increases the
oxygen and prana supply to the target organ or gland, thereby enhancing the effect of the asana.
- Concentration: as well as breathing slowly and deeply, we also focus our attention on the target organ or gland. This brings the mind into play, and
greatly increases the circulation and prana supply to the organ or gland.
This concentration has the second benefit of increasing your general powers of concentration through regular practice. This benefits every aspect of your life. Your
mind is less distracted and swayed by external events and you are therefore calmer and worry less. You will be able to solve day-to-day problems better and have more
success in whatever activity you undertake.
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