Power Yoga for Relaxation

Relaxation Techniques:

True relaxation is experienced by the body and mind when little or no energy is consumed. It is Nature's way of recharging. Since every action, conscious or unconscious, uses stored energy, relaxation is necessary good health and peace of mind. Without proper relaxation the body and mind become overworked and inefficient.

Physical Relaxation:

Certain forms of exercise increase the body's energy, but this is futile if we continue to waste energy by constantly keeping the muscles in a state of readiness when there is no need to do so. Some people find they have trained their muscles to be so tense that they cannot relax them even at night, creating a constant energy drain. Yoga asanas are a technique for retraining the muscles to be able to relax. People who practice asanas often find that they need less sleep and feel more rested. This is because, when they lie down, they quickly fall into a sound sleep. Deep sleep rejuvenates body and mind, but light sleep, or the dream state, actually uses energy.

Mental Relaxation:

When the mind is constantly bombarded by stimuli, it becomes overloaded and exhausted. We may be unaware that we are doing it, but by thinking and worrying we are using up tremendous amounts of energy. The tension put on the mind by worries, whether real or imagined, can use more energy than physical work.

When worries get out of hand, energy resources are strained. Mental fatigue sets in, often resulting in wear and tear on the physical body as well. It is important to set aside some time each day for the mind to unwind and recoup its energies.

Whenever you experience mental tension, try breathing slowly and rhythmically for a few minutes while you concentrate on the breath. Yogic breathing exercises will may take conscious effort, but develop your ability to calm the mind using your own thought power. This leads to an experience of inner peace,with physical relaxation following the mental relaxation.

Spiritual Relaxation

Complete mental and physical relaxation come only with an inner tuning to a higher source. As long as we identify with this body and mind, we all think we can rely on no-one but ourselves. There will always be tension and worries about the future. Tuning to the divine source brings the realization that all happiness comes from within. Yoga gives the techniques for this inner tuning, enabling us to break down the boundaries that separate us from each other, and from our own Inner Selves.

Yoga Asanas....Towards Supreme Fitness

These asanas provide mental peace and one feels energetic after just few hours of practice. One may practice this at the beginning, middle and or at the end of any asanas. These exercises seem very easy at first, but if followed rigorously, are quite difficult for the tension in all the muscles of the body must be consciously released. The muscles often appear completely relaxed but, in fact, tightness still remains. Even when one sleeps, the comfort is elusive. Constant postural abnormalities exert strain on the back muscles providing them little solace in the traditional supine pose. That is why these exercises prove very relaxing to the spine and related structures. The primary aim of such asanas is to relax the every bit of muscle and provide them a deep repose. Those who feel uncomfortable due to the spinal chord problem will certainly get huge solace in these asanas. Generally all asanas follow certain fixed time period, but one can perform these asanas any time. 

Corpse Pose (Shavasana) :

These asanas provide mental peace and one feels energetic after just few hours of practice. This asana has two variations. You can learn this asana as below :

Reversed Corpse Pose (Adhvasana) :

Routine:

• Lie down on the stomach over a clean yoga mat.
• Male persons may hold a thin pillow below their chest.

• Stretch the hands above the shoulder with palms facing downward.

• Let the forehead touch the mat and the elbow both the ears.

• Keep the neck straight.

• Maintain comfortable distance between your legs.
• Mentally relax the spinal chord and lower torso.

• Hold your arms straight but do not put any pressure on the belly.

• Concentrate on your stomach.

• Breathe rhythmically and count inversely like the Corpse pose from 27 to 1.

• Return back to the Corpse pose when the counting gets over.

Superior Posture (Jyeshtikasana) :

Jyeshtikasana is an Indian translation for Superior posture

Routine:

• Lie flat on the stomach over a clean yoga mat.
• Keep both the legs straight together. 
• Keep the paws relaxed.
• Bring the hands forward and interlock the fingers.
• Bend the elbows and place the interlocked palms just above the neck.
• Support the elbows on the mat.

• Close your eyes with ease and remain conscious towards the breathing.

• Realize the soothing warmth of the palms evaporating the tensions from the neck and related areas.

• Maintain yourself for five minutes in such positions.
• Now get back in Shavasana pose.

Flapping Fish Pose (Matsya Kridasana) :

Matsya Kridasana is an Indian translation for Flapping Fish pose. The position is called so as this resembles a flapping fish. This exercise is highly beneficial for the rest of pregnant women; as by the time of 3rd trimester the tummy swells inordinately which often causes restlessness. However even such women can practice this asana with quiet ease. You can learn this asana as below:

Routine:

• Lie on the stomach, with straight legs.

• Now move the right knee upward, while maintaining the left leg straight.

• Support the right cheek over the interlocked fingers.

• Retain both the palms downward.
• Try to touch the right knee with right elbow.
• Place the knee anywhere according to your comfort.
• Balance the entire body.
• Close the eyes with ease and mentally relax the body.
• Practice this at your comfortable time.
• Get back to Shavasana pose when the practice gets over. 

 

Crocodile Pose (Makarasana) :

Makarasana is an Indian translation for Crocodile pose. This is the best pose of this series which provides mental peace to the persons of all ages. Here the effect is felt at two points - the neck and the lower back. You can learn this asana as below:

Routine:

• Lie flat on the stomach on yoga mat.
• Relax the lower torso.
• Bend both the hands from the elbow.
• Place the palms below the cheeks for support.
• Now raise the shoulder and neck.
• Remain conscious towards the body.
• You may realize some strain on the neck and backbone..

• Keep adjusting the elbows so that tension is evenly spread out between the neck and the lower back.

• Position your body in best way.
• Breathe easy and close the eyes with ease.

• Practice this at your leisure and comfort.