“Eka Pada Sirsansana”
“Garbha Pindasana”
= One Foot to Head Posture
= Embryo-in-Womb Posture
Eka = One
Pinda = Embryo
Pada = Foot or leg
Level: Advanced
Garbha = Womb
Sirsa = Head
Benefits: Relaxes the
Asana = Posture
whole spine, especially the muscles of the lumbar spine, and strengthens the abdomen. Traditionally it is taught that the pressure of the heels on the abdomen cleanses the liver and the spleen, and the points of contact on the arms and legs stimulate the corresponding lymphatic tissue.
Level: Advanced
Benefits: This asana is one of the greatest challenges and comes with an increase in the flexibility in the hips and hamstrings. Traditionally this posture is said to enrich our hemoglobin, thereby affecting our metabolism in a positive way, and decrease nervous trembling.
Quick
Fact
Most scholars agree that even though yoga and Hinduism are closely related, and that yoga is within religion, it is not itself a religion. Yoga is more often considered a type of spirituality.
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“Sirsasana” Sirsa = head
“Bakasana” or “Kakasana”
Level: Intermediate
= Crow posture
= Head Standing Posture
Benefits: By reversing the blood flow in our body and sending a powerful inflow into our head, it is taught that the brain, sense organs, and memory are nourished and their potential increased. The benefits of all that we digest, physically and mentally, can head directly toward the crown of our head and assist our intellectual abilities, and eventually our spiritual illumination. Note the scripture “Yama matram vashe nityam” [We can dwell in Sirsasana for three hours]. It’s recommended starting with less!
Baka = crane Kak = crow
Level: Beginner Benefits: The asana strengthens the shoulders, arms, wrists and hands, as well as the core muscles and organs of the abdomen. Increases focus and the potential for balance.
History of Yoga
David Nuss
Was brought to America in the late 1800s and early 1900s
Teaches at the food bank Practices the oldest form of yoga, which is Ashtanga Yoga (the eight limbs)
[the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend}
Origins in India
Hatha yoga became popular after it was introduced to Hollywood in 1947