Natural Body balance through yoga: Viparita Karani, Ashwini Mudra & Ardha Shalabhasana Yoga is not just about flexibility or strength. It is a holistic science that nurtures our internal systems, including digestion, elimination, hormones, and energy balance. In this article, we will explore three deeply beneficial yet simple yoga techniques: Viparita Karani (Legs-up-the-wall pose) Ashwini Mudra in Vajrasana Ardha Shalabhasana (Half Locust Pose) Each practice activates important energy systems in your body ( like Apana Vayu) and supports healing, detoxification, and strength from within. These are suitable for most people and can be included in daily routines. 1. Viparita Karani - The Gentle Inversion for inner healing name meaning: Viparita = Reverse Karani = action So, it means "the act of reversing." This refers to reversing the natural flow of gravity-raising the legs up to allow reverse circulation How to Practice: Lie flat on your back near a wall. Slowly extend y...
Ustrasana and Dhanurasana benefits
Introduction:
In yoga, back-bending postures hold deep significance. Two powerful asanas in this category are Ustrasana (Camel pose) and Dhanurasana (Bow pose). While both stretch the front body and strengthen the back, each affects internal organs and body systems in distinct ways. These are not just physical postures-they awaken dormant energy, correct body alignment, and harmonise bodily functions.
Let's explore how these two asanas bring unique physical, mental, and physiological benefits, based on yogaic science and body mechanics-not copied from websites, but based on logical anatomical reasoning and traditional insights.
Ustrasana (camel pose): benefits for our body
1. Expands the chest cavity & improves lung capacity
- Ustrasana stretches the chest, ribs. and intercostal muscles deeply.
- It opens the lungs, allowing deeper inhalation and exhalation.
- ideal for those with asthma, shallow breathing, or fatigue from poor oxygen flow.
2. Releases Stored Emotions from the heart centre
- According to yogic anatomy, the heart chakra (Anahata) is located at the chest centre.
- This pose activates emotional healing, especially useful for grief, loneliness, or emotional blocks.
3. Stimulates Thyroid & Parathyroid Glands
- The throat area stretches strongly in Ustrasana
- This gentle pressure stimulates thyroid activity, helping regulate metabolism and calcium balance.
4. Improves Digestive health
- This deep stretch on the abdomen gives a natural massage to the stomach, intestines, liver, and pancreas.
- It improves the digestive fire (Agni) and removes sluggishness from the abdominal organs.
5. Spinal Flexibility and Nervous Energy Flow
- The backwards bending tones the spinal nerves, especially in the thoracic and lumbar regions.
- Helps improve posture, reduce spinal stiffness, and awaken kundalini energy gently.
6. Strengthens the lower back and shoulders
- This pose works on the erector spinae muscles, shoulder blades, and arms.
- Regular practice leads to stronger support muscles and reduces backache due to desk work or bad posture.
7. Balances Hormonal Function
- At it stimulates the pituitary and pineal glands indirectly, it aids in hormonal regulation-benefits for PCOS, mood swings, or irregular cycles in women.
Dhanurasana (Bow pose): benefits in our regions
1. Activates the entire spine - all three regions
- Unlike other poses that focus on one spinal curve, Dhanurasana stretches the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions simultaneously.
- This opens energy blocks (granthis) along the spine and improves energy distribution.
2. Enhances Core Strength & Abdominal Tone
- Lifting the thighs and chest while balancing on the belly engages deep core muscles.
- It tones the abdominal wall, helping reduce belly fat and improve digestive function.
3. Strengthens internal Organs through Pressure
- The belly pressing on the floor stimulates the pancreas, liver, intestines, and kidneys.
- This boosts enzyme production, balances sugar levels, and cleanses the organs naturally.
4. Improves Appetite and Gut Health
- Regular practice builds digestive resilience.
- People with loss of appetite, gas, or indigestion often find this pose restores gut rhythm.
5. Tones Reproductive organs
- The backwards stretch compresses and then relaxes the ovaries and uterus (in women) or the prostate gland (in men).
- This improves fertility, hormonal balance, and pelvic strength.
6. Corrects posture & Body alignment
- Many suffer from a hunched back or forward-head posture.
- Dhanurasana naturally pulls back the shoulders, opens the chest, and corrects spinal alignment.
7. Boosts Mood and Reduces Mental Fatigue
- This pose encourages deep breathing and activates the solar plexus chakra (manipura)
- It lifts mental dullness, energises the brain, and helps with mild depression or fatigue.
Conclusion
Both Ustrasana and Dhanurasana are more than physical stretches-they are gateways to internal balance. Practicing them regularly health, energy flow, and emotional balance. For the best results, combine them with proper breathing (pranayama), rest, and a yogic diet.
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