Yoga: Get into the swing of things

Lolasana, which is also known as the swinging pose, is part of the Padmasana group of asanas.

These asanas should only be performed by people who can sit comfortably in Padmasana.

This pose helps clear emotional, physical and mental blocks. It also helps awaken the energy centres of the body and induces tranquillity.

Sitting in this posture can also help increase a person's ability to sit in Padmasana for longer, as required for meditation.

Lolasana

• Sit in Padmasana.
•  Place your palms on the floor beside your thighs.
• While inhaling, raise your entire body off the floor so that your weight is resting only on your hands.
• Hold your breath and swing your body backwards and forwards between your arms.
• While exhaling, lower your body on to the floor into Padmasana.

Benefits

• Lolasana helps strengthen the muscles of the arms, wrists, shoulders and abdomen.
• It helps expand the chest.
• The asana generates control, coordination and dexterity.