Our present-day lifestyle and food habits, coupled with the stress of day-to-day life tend to dull our digestive system and disturb our inner harmony.
Yoga Mudrasana, or psychic union pose (also known as yoga seal pose), is very beneficial for healthy abdominal muscles, increasing the digestive fire and relaxing the body and mind. This asana is an excellent prelude to meditative practices as it establishes inner poise and equanimity of mind.
Yoga Mudrasana
- Sit in Padmasana (lotus pose) and relax the whole body for some time, breathing normally.
- Hold one wrist behind the back with the other hand.
- Close eyes and inhale deeply.
- While exhaling, bend forward, keeping the spine straight.
- Bring the forehead to the floor or as close as possible.
- Relax the whole body in the final position, breathing slowly and deeply. Be aware of the pressure of the heels on the abdomen.
- Hold this final position for a minute or longer if comfortable, breathing normally.
- While inhaling, return to the start position and repeat the pose with the legs crossed the other way round.
Benefits
- This asana massages the abdominal organs and alleviates constipation and indigestion.
- It stretches the spine and tones the nervous system.
- It stimulates the pancreas and provides relief from diabetes.
- It calms the mind by its action on the adrenal glands and minimises emotional turmoil.
Caution
Those with serious eye, back or heart conditions and those having acute ulcer flare-ups should avoid this asana.
Bharat Thakur guides you through practices that will connect you to the wisdom of the ancient Indian science of exercising.
Image Credit: Francois Nel /Gulf News
