Veerasana ( Hero’s Pose )

Veerasana widely famous as Hero’s Pose is derived from two Sanskrit words, Veera meaning Hero and Asana meaning Posture.It is also known as balancing posture and since it helps to increase awareness and concentration.  If you plan to sit still for more than a few minutes, as you would for a meditation session, give it a try. If you wanna practice this asana and be yoga teacher, contact yoga teacher training nepal

Steps for Veerasana :

1. First Sit on Vajrasana.
2. Then, raise the right knee upright, placing the right foot on the ground by the side of left knee.
3. The right elbow at the top of the right knee, rest the chin on the right hand’s palm and place the left palm at the top of the left knee.
4. Keep the spine erect and the head fully straight. Gently close the eyes and relax the whole body.
5. Let the body remain fully relaxed and motionless. Hold this position for a minute or two.
6. Release the position and come back to Vajrasana to relax.
7. Repeat  the same practice from the opposite side by placing the left foot at the side of the right knee.

Benefits of Veerasana :

1. Balances the mind and improves the concentration power.
2. Helpful in stabilizing the functioning of the entire systema nervosum .
3. Highly beneficial for the liver, kidney and every one other abdominal organs.
4. Practicing the second variation of this asana improves the functioning of the reproductive organs.
5. Extremely beneficial for people having disturbed mind because the regular practice of this asana clears up the thought process and helps in getting obviate the habit of over thinking.

Precautions for Veerasana (Hero’s Pose)

• People having knee weakness or knee injury should not practice this asana.
• People having arthritis, spinal disorders, osteoarthritis, high blood pressure, respiratory diseases or any heart disease should not practice this asana.

Chakras  : Sacral Chakra (Swadisthana Chakra) , Root Chakra (Muladhara Chakra)

Gomukhasana is a seated yoga posture that stretches several parts of the body simultaneously, including the ankles, hips, thighs, shoulders, underarms, triceps and chest. The name comes from the Sanskrit, ‘Go’means “cow,” mukha, means “face,” and asana, meaning “pose.”It gives good cross-stretch in chest muscles.

Gomukhasana is one of the classical yoga poses explained in Hatha Pradipika. The concept of static stretching in the practice of asanas in the Curriculum of Classical Hatha Yoga is helpful for the stabilization of the muscles without creating the strong forces of the resistance by the joints in the body because of the use of isometric contractions. 

The asana, whose name literally translates into Cow Face Pose, has helped a lot of people who are fighting a variety of conditions such as diabetes, back and shoulder issues, and sexual disorders.This is one of the best asana to restore symmetry and postural health. It is wise to have this in your practical Yoga Training Session. The final position of the pose assumes the shape of the face of the cow, hence it is called as Cow face pose.

How To Do Gomukhasana :

1. Sit in SamasthithiEven though Gomukhasana is a beginner’s and easy yoga pose, it’s better to do it step by step. So, the steps of Gomukhasana are:Exhaling bend the right knee and place it on the left knee so that the right sole touches the left hip, Inhale. Exhaling bend the left knee so that, left sole touches the right hip.
2. Inhaling raises the right arm and interlocks the fingers with the left hand from a backside.
3. Sit straight and keep your back straight, and legs forward.
4. Now bend your left leg gently and place it under your right hip.
5. Then gently bend your right leg and cross it over your left leg. Your knees should be placed close and on top of each other.
6. Keep your head and back straight while practicing it.
7. Now bend your left hand and slowly place it behind your back from downwards.
8. Then bend your right hand and also place it at your back from upwards (over your right shoulder).
9. Then stretch your right hand downwards until it reaches your left hand. This might not be easy for people who are not flexible but you’ll learn to do it gradually.
10. Now hold this pose for 30 to 60 seconds.

Anatomy

Gomukhasana benefits the following muscles and hence can be included in yoga sequences with the corresponding muscle(s) focus:
Arms and Shoulders, Middle Back, Upper Back, Biceps and Triceps, Hamstrings, Hips Knees Pelvic Quadriceps

Benefits of Gomukhasana

1. Gomukhasana can relieve your anxiety and stress and make you a better, healthy person. The rhythmic breathing patterns that are associated with this asana can offer you great mental and emotional benefits.
2. Stretches your shoulders, thorax, ankles, triceps, and thighs
3. Makes your back flexible
4. Relaxes your body and mind
5. Helps people with diabetes by enhancing your kidneys
6. Reduces anxiety and stress if practiced regularly
7. Helps in pressure relief; Performing Gomukhasana on a regular basis can help the practitioner to attain the perfect posture. This asana can stimulate the spine, chest muscles and shoulders for improving the body’s natural posture.
8. Gomukhasana can prove to be extremely helpful in curing sexual ailments by stimulating blood flow and easing stiffness from lower parts of the body. It also helps in relieving stress.
9. Makes your shoulders loosen up; cure stiff shouldersThis asana induces a deep state of relaxation.
10. Brings the peace of mind and serenity, concentration.
11. Helps in relieving the stress and the tendencies of the anxiety.
12. Good for improving the strength and flexibility of the shoulder joints through the actions of deltoids and rotator cuffs. This helps in preventing the drooping and frozen shoulders.
13. Strengthens the spinal column and relieves the back and neck pain.
14. Expansion of the chest enhances the lung capacity.
15. Stimulates the peristalsis and relieves the digestive disorders.Promotes the range of motion of the hips joints and the flexibility of the muscles in the pelvic girdle.
16. Promotes the health of the reproductive organsBrings the good postural health;
17. The neck and the lower back the prominent sites of the parasympathetic nervous systems, This pose particularly brings the elasticity in these two regions which is helpful bring the deep state of relaxation and hence it helpful in the reduction of the blood pressure. It makes the preparation of the mind to the practice of meditation.

Contraindications and limitations

It is not advised for the people with the chronic injuries of the knees and shoulder joints.

Release your hands, and unfold and straighten your legs to come back to the starting position.

Preparatory poses for Gomukhasana

Try practicing these yoga poses before doing Gomukhasana to make your body prepared for Gomukhasana.
Virasana
Baddha Konasana
Supta Baddha Konasana
Supta Virasana
Upavistha Konasana
Supta Padangusthasana
Badha Konasana (Bound Angle Pose)
Virasana (Hero Pose)
Upvistha Konasana (Wide-angle seated forward bend)
Supta Virasana (Reclining hero pose)
Supta Padangusthasana (Reclined Big Toe Pose)
Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclined Bound Angle Pose)

Precautions to take while doing Gomukhasana

Please take care of these things before and while doing Gomukhasana.

Avoid practicing Gomukhasana if you’ve back injury.

You should always practice yoga on an empty stomach only.

If you’ve knee pain, neck pain, or shoulder pain, then don’t practice it.

If you can’t clasp your fingers then just stretch your hands at the back. With time, you’ll become flexible enough to practice Gomukhasana perfectly.

You should practice this yoga pose under the guidance of a yoga instructor.

So guys, this was all you needed to know about Gomukhasana. Gomukhasana is very beneficial and a great yoga poses for everyone if practiced daily.

INTRODUCTION: REIKI, A CHANNEL OF UNIVERSAL POWER

Reiki is a universal healing system initiated with the existence. This healing system is now a world renowned Japanese healing technique method that promotes the body’s relaxation response and natural healing ability and accepted globally. Reiki practitioners use a technique called palm healing or hands-on healing through which a “universal energy” is said to be transferred through the palms of the practitioner to the patient in order to encourage emotional or physical healing and also distance reiki healing through symbols, mantras vibes and aura energy to far away as well.

Reiki channels positive energy into a person, pet, place, relationship, or situation. It can be directed to the past, present, and future: surgery, test, meeting, interview, audition, court case, etc. Reiki doesn’t depend on belief and will work whether you believe in it or not.

Many people have connected with us for their long withstanding health, financial, emotional issues and have got immense relief.

A spiritual check-in might include releasing old energy, realigning with your purpose, or just taking a beat to be instead of do. If you’re in need of some spiritual support: Many of our favorite intuitive and energy healers are currently offering distant sessions by phone. And there’s no need to worry that you’re getting a truncated version of their abilities; most good healers can connect without being with you in person and are used to working virtually with their clients. But always ask questions if you need more clarity.

An unseen power in universe is working for universal existence. As the appearance or creation of the world, something energy is working around us. Each creatures or each being is directly or indirectly, this way or that way, less or more connected to universal power.  The application of this supreme power or universal power was considered as spiritual saadhanaa (Practice) in ancient time, latterly was also used for spiritual healing and Pranic Healing. They used this power to save righteousness and to destroy the devils or unrighteousness. It was also used for blessing and empowering to devotees.

Reiki system has three Levels (Degrees): Second level is for distance Healing.

Second Degree – It is a Distance Reiki Healing technique and it has telepathy practices, third eye activation practices, hypnotic, and mind technology will be practice, lights, and colors, visions, and aura, mantras, psychic symbols, and Vajra- van, all the physical, mental and emotional forces will be practices.

Healing Health & Spiritual Benefits of Distance Reiki Healing :      

1. Increase energy flow throughout the body, enhancing personal health and aliveness
2. Promote one’s ability to be present in the moment
3. Strengthen energetic, psychic and intuitive awareness, while facilitating spiritual growth
4. Handle stress better; Improve relationships
5. Heal faster; relieve side effects
6. Build a deeper understanding of communication and connection by means of touch
7. Facilitate energetic healing on a physical, emotional, psychological and karmic level
8. Receive powerful, healing Reiki energy continuously, 24 hours/day
9. Feel better physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, energetically
10. Weight loss; Confidence; Relaxation; Sleep better
11.  Aids in coping with grief, trauma
12. Assist with peaceful passing for someone dying
13. Feelings of peace, security, well-being
14. Increase clarity, purpose, joy, health, happiness, abundance
15. Relieves pain and discomfort
16. Reduces Stress and anxiety and Overcome depression/emotional healing
17. Strengthens immune system and Balances energy and chakras
18. Relationship healing and financial healing

Nothing needs to be “wrong” for you to receive Reiki. It can help you feel good and stay well when you’re already fit and healthy

You may make the session your own, consult Swami Yog Subodh an advanced Source Point Therapy practitioner (an approach to healing that uses a body-scanning technique to release energetic blockages found in our field). Swami does energy work using her blueprint for human health. He works on releasing blocks in your system to restore order and balance and helps you create more space for yourself. Be as interactive as you want—ask questions, or let you sit back and enjoy the experience. (You can even take a nap, if that’s what your body craves). At this time, Guru’s sessions are pro bono for anyone working on the front lines and for people who have been diagnosed with COVID-19.

In this pandemic situation, everybody is suffering from covid 19 and is locked down at home. So they are mentally weak and scared of the situation. They loosed the immune seconds to seconds and couldn’t find any right solutions and the ways in order to get relief from the situations. On the unpleasant moments, everybody needs emotional, mental, spiritual and even physical support to overcome from this global crisis.

Send full name of person who’ll receive Reiki. I’ll send Reiki as general, overall healing to any/all areas requiring healing; OR to a specific issue or area of concern, if you request.

Day time, evening and weekend sessions available

NOTE: Your order delivery will be when the Reiki starts, not when it ends.

Learn about Our Distance Healing

What is the corona virus?

Corona viruses are a large family of respiratory viruses, appears as seasonal flu, known to cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe illnesses such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and also Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) mostly suffer to those who have poor immunity, poor mentality, poor activity, and chronic illness one.

What is COVID-19?

The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented health crisis of global scale. Since early 2020, it has put tremendous strain on healthcare systems, disrupted economies, and halted large parts of social life in many countries around the world. In a race against the fast spreading virus and rapidly increasing patient numbers seems like swine flu.

Symptoms of the Corona virus

The common human corona virus causes symptoms similar to the common cold: Corona virus symptoms (very common flu-like unfortunately) are:

Coughing / sore throat; Runny nose
Headache; sometimes vomiting, sensation of tasteless,
A general feeling of being unwell; and tiredness
High temperature, body ache
breathing difficulties, heaviness,

Human corona viruses can sometimes cause lower-respiratory tract illnesses, such as pneumonia or bronchitis. This is more common in people with cardiopulmonary disease, people with weakened immune systems, infants, and older adults.

Symptoms appear usually between 2 and 10 days after contracting the virus.

COVID-19, Transmission Mode

Human corona virus is most commonly spread from an infected person to others through:
The air by coughing and sneezing
Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands
Rarely, fecal contamination

Most people will get infected with one or more of the common human corona viruses in their lifetime. It is a kind seasonal flu, but sometimes it will be dangerous to the people who have no natural vaccine i.e immune. Young children are most likely to get infected. However, people can have multiple infections in their lifetime.”

COVID-19, protective measures

There are currently no vaccines available to help protect against human corona virus infection. But remember everybody has most powerful vaccine within the body that is the natural immune.

The following measures should be applied:

1. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and also wash your face including ears.
2. Cough or sneeze in your bent elbow – not your hands.
3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
4. Limit social gatherings and time spent in crowded places.
5. Avoid close contact with someone who is sick.
6. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
7. if you have cold-like symptoms, should stay home while you are sick
8. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands but reduce your Mask wearing duration if possible, don’t use in house and when you walking in nature, while playing, or doing exercises.
9. Be especially careful in busy public transport systems about touching things and then touching your face
10. Do not share snacks from packets or bowls that others are dipping their fingers into
11. Avoid shaking hands or cheek kissing
12. Regularly clean commonly used surfaces / devices you use (cell phone / keyboard)
13. Do regularly exercises especially Yogic means and kriyas; Once break sweat if possible, 12 minutes to 48 minutes walk ; if possible 12 minutes ladder or steps up-down like in hills.
14. Do Yogasana, Pranayama and Dhyana.

What is the recovery time for the corona virus disease?

Using available preliminary data, the median time from onset to clinical recovery for mild cases is approximately 1- 2 weeks, depends on their immunity, activity and food rules and is 3-6 weeks for patients with severe or critical disease.

Does heat kill the corona virus?

Heat at 56°C kills the SARS corona virus at around 10000 units per 15 min (quick reduction).

Does drinking lots of water help flush out COVID-19?

There is no evidence that drinking lots of water flushes out the new corona virus or the
Stomach acid kills the virus. However, for good health in general, it is recommended that
People should have adequate water every day for good health and to prevent dehydration.

How to keep healthy while in isolation or quarantine (COVID-19)

Whether you are in quarantine or self-isolation due to COVID-19, you will inevitably be spending more time at home. Following general healthy living advice such as eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, being physically active, getting enough sleep, and managing stress are the best recommendation for staying healthy during quarantine or self-isolation. If you are interested in food-related issues with COVID-19, read Food and coronavirus (COVID-19):

What you should know

Eat a balance diet and varied diet – healthy diet and healthy eating
Establish a routine and practice mindful eating –
keep hydrated
Practice safe food hygiene and balanced diet
Stay active and safe at home – Ideas for physical activity during self-isolation
Get information from trustworthy sources

Good nutrition is crucial for health, particularly in times when the immune system might need to fight back. Limited access to fresh foods may compromise opportunities to continue eating a healthy and varied diet. It can also potentially lead to an increased consumption of highly processed foods, which tend to be high in fats, sugars and salt. Nonetheless, even with few and limited ingredients, one can continue eating a diet that supports good health.

Prepare home-cooked meals

During regular daily life, many individuals often do not have the time to prepare home-cooked meals. Spending longer periods of time at home may now offer the possibility to make those recipes you previously did not have time to make. Many healthy and delicious recipes can be found online. Take advantage of the wealth of freely available information, and experiment with the ingredients you can access, but remember to keep in mind the principles for healthy eating offered in this guidance. Some examples of healthy recipes with accessible ingredients may also be found below.

Treatment and Healing of Covid-19

There are no specific treatments for illnesses caused by human corona virus. Most people with common corona virus will recover on their own; however, medical protocol says you can:

Take pain and fever medications (Caution: do not give Aspirin to children)
Use a room humidifier or take a hot shower to help ease a sore throat and cough
Drink warm water on every half an hour, Gargle few times in morning, day time when coming back from outsides and before beds.
Do Jala Neti (Nasal Cleansing ) with salty warm water and then Kapal bhati Kriya under guidance
Do Vaman Dhauti twice a week under guidance
Do specific Yogasanas and Breathing Kriyas and Pranayama as well under guidance.
If you are mildly sick, you should drink plenty of liquids, Soups.
Natural and satvik foods, herbal tea like Tulsi, lemon grass, and lemon water.
Eat natural spices like white pepper, Turmeric powder, cinnamon, garlic, chilly,
Take Ayurvedic Medications under the guidance
Reiki Healing, Guided relaxation practice and meditation,
Take sauna and steam alone.
Get enough quality sleep and rest
Stay home and rest

Please Consult our Guru for counseling and practice and take an online appointment few days to few weeks.

Also you may appoint for Pranayama session (4 sessions-6 hours) and Meditation session (6 sessions – 9 hours)

In Sanskrit ‘Bhadra’ means ‘auspicious’ and ‘asana’ means ‘pose’. Bhadrasana the destroyer of diseases. It also says that the yogi can get rid of a fatigue by sitting in this asana.It is an excellent meditative pose.This pose helps to activate the mooladhara chakra.This pose is also described by Sage Gheranda. This is a physical culture asana – a sitting posture that especially improves the lumbar region strength. It also helps in opening out the hip flexors and stretching the muscles in your thighs/hamstrings.

Method of Bhadrasana :

1. Sit on the ground with legs stretched .
2. Fold both the legs and convey them on the brink of one another . Feet must touch one another .
3. Use the hands to carry the toes of the feet. Pull the legs towards the groin. The legs should rest on the bottom , touching the ground . this may require an honest amount of flexibility within the beginning.
4. Keep the spine straight and relax the shoulders.
5. Maintain this final pose for as long as comfortable. The breathing are often slow and rhythmic.

Breathing : The breath should be slow and rhythmic with awareness of the breath at the nosetip.

Awarness : For physical practice, awareness of the natural breath at the nosetip.For spritual  benefits, awareness of mooladhara chakra is practiced.

Benefits :

1. Knees, Ankles, hip joints become flexible, helps in preventing arthritis and Sciatica.
2. Cures general problems like white discharge in women and also helps the problem of discharging in men .
3. It helps in calming the brain and reducing mental excitement.
4. On the pranic level the practice of bhadrasana controls and balances the flow
5. It helps to sooth menstrual discomfort. It brings to normal the internal activity of the ovaries. It may be included in the training programme of pregnant women, preparing them for a painless delivery.
6.  This pose stimulates and facilitates the digestion, also increases appetite to a healthy level.

Contraindications :

1. People suffering from sciatica should not practice this pose.

Nepal, the land of Himalayas is the original birthplace of yoga,and also many Eastern philosophers and deep wisdom. Since long time, thousands of yogis and Rishis (sages) have meditated and practiced yoga in this beautiful country for their attainment of samadhi. Nepal is considered a yoga destination because Nepal compromises of mountains filled with lush green forest and many more natural gifts that makes it a country with positive and joyful aura.Nepal known as yoga destination as many western people come Nepal to get their yogic training from Nepal.

Nepal is that the land of an exquisite combination of Hindu and Buddhist philosophies, yoga and meditation and offers a mix of those practices. Nepal may be a mountainous country filled with lakes, forests, jungles, caves, rivers, waterfalls and other natural wonders that are suitable for yoga and meditation. A culture and history of yogic meditation has been established here by thousands of Yoga Rishis that reflected nature with their asanas, since time out of mind .

Nepal is one among the few countries within the world, which supply 1, 2 & 3 month visas upon arrival! Thus offering a non stress long stay opportunity to actually deepen your practice and learning.

Reasons that makes Nepal a perfect yoga destination :

1. Vyas Rishi was born and meditated within the caves of the Himalayas who further developed Eastern philosophy by writing The Puranas, and achieved the very best level of wisdom.
2. The yogic disciplines of Hatha, Mantra, Tantra, Shiva and more are said to be the outcomes of conversations held within the lap of the Himalauas; between Lord Shiva (the true ‘Transformer’) and Parvati, the Hindu Goddess of fertility, love and devotion.
3. Lumbini, Nepal is that the birthplace of Lord Buddha,who preached of world peace through his meditation and dissemination of wisdom.
4. Nepal was the middle of meditation for Pāṇini, the best Grammatical scholar of the Sanskrit language (Dev Vasha), which is that the oldest known language on Earth.
5. King Janak, who achieved salvation before death and was referred to as the King of Sages, practiced meditation and spiritual politics in Nepal.
6. Guru Gorakhnath, an excellent Vaishawik practitioner/preacher and therefore the modern exponent of Hatha, Tantra, Mantra traditions; was born and lived in Nepal. His followers are called yogis.
7. Nepal is the country with thousands temples, which represents the country with most spiritual auras, this particular reason makes it place for a perfect location for meditation practices.

YOGIC BANDHA AND SPIRITUAL IMPORTANCE: PART V

Maha bandha:
Maha is a Sanskrit word meaning “great.” As such, this final bandha may also be called the “supreme bandha” or Tribandha (“triple lock).” Maha bandha is named as such because it provides the health benefits of all three previous bandhas. Jalandhara Bandha, Uddiyana Bandha and Mula Bandha are applied together to formulate Maha Bandha. Since it is the combination of all three locks, it is recognized as ‘the great lock’. The Sanskrit word ‘Maha’ also stands for ‘great’. The practice of Maha Bandha brings together the benefits of all three bandha.

Importance of Maha Bandha:

Maha Bandha requires a great deal of physical strength as it is an advanced practice. You must have mastered (if not mastered then at least sufficiently good at) all three bandhas separately before commencing to ‘the great lock’. The practice of Maha Bandha promotes the awakening of Kundalini Shakti, a form of primal energy.

In bandhas, we actually contract some specific body muscles. This is done by holding the breath for a while, to bind prana energy within us. There are three major Bandhas, Jalandhara, Uddiyana and Moola Bandha, that lock the energy in the throat, abdomen, and pelvis.

When we combine three major bandhas, we form Maha bandha. In Maha Bandha, we perform Jalandhara, Uddiyana and Jalandhara Bandha together to get maximum benefits of these three bandhas. Ones these all practices are masted, we perform all these practices together in Maha Bandha as the last step of Bandhas.

Maha Bandha Technique :

Sit in a meditative posture to begin your practice. Padmasana or Siddhasana is the ideal posture for practicing any of the three bandha. But one must be completely comfortable in either of them. Sukhasana is a good pose for such people for whom Padmasana or Siddhasana is uncomfortable.

Sit straight keeping the spine erect. Put both of your palms on your knees. Relax the whole body and be aware of your breaths.

Now take slow and deep breaths. After an inhalation, exhale forcefully moving all the breath out completely. Hold the breath outside.

Apply Jalandhara, Uddiyana and Mula bandha one after the another in the same order as mentioned. There must be no pause in between, the bandhas must be applied back to back.

Retain the breath or locks for as long as it feels comfortable. Do not strain. Even 3 seconds are sufficient for a beginner.

To release the three locks, start with Mula Bandha, then Uddiyana Bandha and in the end Jalandhara Bandha.

Take a slow inhalation after bringing the head in upright position. One round completes here.

Relax the whole body taking easy breaths. Let the eyes remain closed. Once the breath comes back to its normal rhythm, you are ready to practice again.

Practice 2 times initially. As you begin to feel more efficient in your practice, gradually add one more round till you reach 5 rounds. 

Benefits of Bandhas

-Maintains cardiovascular health.

-Activates all the organs of the area, where Bandha is applied.

-Gives relief from a variety of headaches, mood disorders, and sleep disorders.

-Strengthens the immune system and metabolism and Stimulates all glands of the endocrine system

-Helps in better digestion, respiration, and extraction of waste from the body.

-Makes us more concentrated and alert and Calms the brain and strengthens our emotions

-Helps in Kundalini awakening by stimulating Mooladhara (root), Manipura(heart) and Vishuddhi (throat) Chakra.

-Strengthens the autonomic nervous system 2 and parasympathetic nervous system 3

-It helps to purify the body and mind.

The Sequence of Bandha

When we talk about the bandha, one thing where we stuck commonly is the sequence of bandha. In other words, which bandha should we practice first?

Maha bandha is practiced by performing the first three bandhas simultaneously, beginning with jalandhara bandha, uddiyana bandha and ending with mula bandha. These bandhas are released in the reverse order, with mula bandha first, Uddiyana bandha and jalandhara bandha last.

Contradictions :

You must not practice Maha Bandha if you suffer from any of this condition: heart disorder, high or low blood pressure, hernia, stroke, intestinal or stomach ulcer, in case you are recovering from a visceral ailment.

Maha Bandha must be avoided by pregnant women as well as during menstruation.

Vrishasana (Bull Pose) – वृषासन

Vrishasana, in Sanskrit,  Vrishasana is the sitting follow asana. ‘Vrusha’ means a bull. An aspirant performs this asana resembles the image of manliness. He is believed to be a ‘man-bull’ and so this asana is called vrushasana. Physical flaccidity in a young body is a sign of old age. It indicates physical weakness. This asana helps to preserve youth.

Bull Pose is like one form of the foundation position of Gomukhasana, but not the Gomukhasana. It seems like the Dhyana-virasana (Heros-meditation Pose). But this is bit different by the legs and hands positions.  I noticed that many people are confused about Vrishasana (Bull Pose) and Vrikshasana (Tree Pose).

“Yaamyagulphe paadamoole vaamabhaage padetaram; Vipareetam sprished bhoomim-vrishasana-midam bhavet”-Ghe. Sa. 38; याम्यगुल्फे पादमूले वामभागे पदेतर।  विपरीतम स्प्रिशेद भूमिम–वृषासन–मिदम भवेत।।  घे.स. । ३८। –

Place the anus on the right foot. The upturned left foot touches the ground on the right side with the left heel to the left side of the anus. The top of the feet should remain on the floor. This is called Vrishasana.

Procedure for Bull Pose :

Sit with the legs stretched out in front of the body.
Bend the right leg at the knee and place the right heel under the anus and sit on right foot.
Place the left knee on the right knee in such a way that the left heel touches the right thigh or left foot close to buttock.
Sit erect and place the palm of the right hand on the knee.
Then place the palm of the left hand on it. And the weight of the body can be adjusted on top of the right foot.
Breathe in the normal way.
Direct your sight and attention to the navel.

Precautions :

This asana requires extremely flexible ankles and feet and is not suitable for the generation practitioners.

Advantages of Vrishasana (Bull Pose):

1. Mooladhaara chakra is automatically stimulated and increasing the energy levels.
2. It awakens Kundalini Shakti which enters the mouth of the Sushumna.
3. It stimulates blood-circulation making the body energetic and the mind peaceful.
4. It makes the respiratory system function in a proper order.
5. It cures diseases such as waste of semen, gas-trouble, nocturnal discharges, indigestion, lumbago, insomnia, cardiac trouble, asthma and dysentery.
6. It strengthens all the muscles of the body.
7. Vrishasana provides a nice opening in the groin.

Jalandhara bandha: Jalandhara is a Sanskrit word derived from the roots ‘jalan’ meaning “net,” and dhara, meaning “flow” or ‘stream’. It is performed by bringing the chin down towards the chest; therefore, it is also called the “chin lock.” Practicing this bandha improves the function of the thyroid and parathyroid glands, supports the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, as well as activates the Vishuddhi chkara.

Jalandhar bandha is also known as ‘Chin Lock’ or ‘Throat Lock’. This bandha locks the prana in the throat region.

Once the Kundalini energy passes through the Abdomen, it flows toward the head through the throat. So, to clear its path in the throat region, we lock Prana in the throat region. This stimulates the Vishuddhi Chakra with Jalandhara Bandha. Therefore the Bandha practice is completed with Jalandhara Bandha. Jalandhara bandha is the action of simultaneously lowering the chin and lifting the sternum.

Methods of Jalandhara Bandha ( Throat Lock )

a) Sit in a comfortable sitting position, either padmasana or siddhasana or any other comfortable meditation position.

b) Extend your spine and lift your sternum slightly up.

c) Begin the inhalation slowly and deeply with head upright, retain the breath inside.

d) As you near the end of the inhalation with short retention, gently lower your chin down and draw simultaneously the top of the sternum upward. Straighten the arms and lock them firmly into position.

e) Hold during the retention. The chin rests comfortably on the sternum.

f) Exhale and raise your head slowly to a neutral position.

Variation: In different means of kriya Yoga a more simple and subtle form of jalandhara bandha is practiced where the head is simply bent forward so that the chin presses the neck. It is commonly used while practicing the mudras and pranayama.

Breathing:
We can perform with abhyantara (internal)  and bahyantara (external) kumbhaka (Retention).

Sequence:
This bandha is literally formed with Mudras, bandhas, pranayamas. It should be practiced after asanas and pranayamas and before pranayama. Pranayama with bandha is called Uchcha Pranayama (Higher/advance).

Benefits of Jalandhara Bandha ( Throat Lock ) :

The jalandhara bandha compresses the carotid sinuses, which are located on the carotid arteries. The practice of Jalandhara bandha connects the head with the heart and thoracic and throat cavity, and opens up the throat chakra. The bandha presses the ida and pingala channels and allows the prana to pass through sumshumna. The jalandhara bandha regulates the flow of blood and prana (energy) to the heart, head and the endocrine glands in the neck. This practice produces mental relaxation and, relieving stress, anxiety and anger. It develops one-pointedness.

Cautions of Jalandhara Bandha ( Throat Lock ) :

Those with stiff necks should keep their head as far down as possible or roll a piece of cloth and place it on the top of the collar bones. Hold jalandhara bandha by lifting the chest rather than by pressing down with the chin. This releases tension in the throat and breathing becomes relaxed. Work on lengthening the back of your neck, releasing your shoulders, and opening your chest. Never force your chin to your sternum. Jalandhara bandha is the action of simultaneously lowering the chin and lifting the sternum.

UDDIYANA BANDHA – YOGIC BANDHA AND SPIRITUAL IMPORTANCE:  PART- III

2. UDDIYANA BANDHA:
Uddiyana is a Sanskrit word meaning “to rise up.” In this bandha, energy moves upward more forcefully than it does in Mula Bandha. Uddiyana bandha stimulates the abdominal muscles, involuntary muscles and internal organs as they are pulled in, while the chest lifts upward and inward. Though it is highly recommended for those struggling with constipation, indigestion, loss of appetite, and dysfunction of internal organs, the uddiyana bandha can boost the practitioner’s metabolism and promote healthy function of the vital organs, adrenal gland, thereby relieving stress and tension. It also energizes the heart chakra (anahata), promoting kindness and compassion.

Uddiyana Bandha – Upward Abdominal Lock

Uddiyana bandha is an abdomen lifting lock that locks the Prana in the abdomen region. In this bandha, we draw our navel part (abdomen) in and upward. After Moola Bandha, one should practice the Uddiyana Bandha:

-The Kundalini energy flows in an upward direction. It flows from the root of the spine to the head. Once we set kundalini energy free to flow through the spine, it reaches the abdomen part.

-To clear the obstacles in the way of Kundalini energy at the abdomen region, we lock prana at this part. This stimulates the Manipura Chakra. This process is done by practicing Uddiyana Bandha. That’s why Moola Bandha is followed by Uddiyana Bandha.

-Uddiyana means flying upward. It is practiced by contracting the navel in and up towards the spine.

Steps of Mula Bandha:

· Sit straight on the mat in Siddhasana or any comfortable meditation poses, pressing well the perineum with the left heel.

· Keep your back straight, your neck erect and your head pointing forwards.

· Take a deep breath.

· Now breathe out slowly. As you breathe out, first tighten the muscles around your anus and then your pelvic floor muscle and your sphincter muscles.

· Intensify the contraction as you exhale completely.

· Now, bend forward gently and move forward your head and neck to the chest.

.contract your abdominal muscles fully and slowly lift the navel towards the spine in and up. .Hold the uddiyana bandha for 5 to 15 seconds

.Then slowly releases your abdominal muscle and inhale normally

. Perform 3 to 10 rounds with one or more breaths between each round.

Advantages of UDDIYANA BANDHA :

1. This bandha moves the energy up the central channel from the earth, water, and fire centers into the heart chakra which element is air.
2. It tones the abdomen, strengthens the diaphragm, and increases the gastric fire.
3. It improves the powers of digestion, assimilation and elimination, and purifies the digestive tract of toxins.
4. Strengthens the abdominal muscles and diaphragm.
5. It opens up blockages in the manipura chakra, as it massages the solar plexus, as well as the heart and lungs.
6. Makes us feel and look younger, refreshed and energetic.
7. Helps to stimulate mainly the Manipura Chakra (Heart Chakra), affect the Svadhisthan and Muladhara also.
8. It prevents accumulated tensions, toxins, or stagnation from developing or accumulating in the navel region, stimulating and lifting the energy of the lower belly (apana vayu), to unite it with the energies localized in the navel (samana vayu) and heart (prana vayu).
9. Enhances higher awareness within us.

Cautions:

Women who are menstruating or pregnant should not practice uddiyana bandha, as well as people suffering from the following conditions: stomach or intestinal ulcers, hernia, Lumbar spondylosis, high blood pressure, heart disease, and glaucoma.