| Description
Regular practice of vajarasana increases
the stability of mind and improves general health. Muslims
and Zen Budhists take this asana for meditation.
The vajra means thunderbolt, the weapon of
Indra - the king of gods as per the Hindu mythology.
Benefits
Physical
- Vajrasana strengthens the muscles of thighs and calves.
It is good for those with flat feet, as it stretches and
arches the sole. To get this result, one should practice
it consistently for a long time for several months. Those
suffering from pain in the heels due to calcanial spur
get relief and the spur gradually disappears.
- This is one asana which can be done immediately after
consuming food. Sit in Vajrasana and do right nostril
breathing. This relieves heaviness in stomach and improves
digestion.
- Vajrasana alters the flow of blood to pelvic region
and strengthens the pelvis.
- Doing Vajrasana for a short while after a meal is useful
to reduce acidity but if one remains in this asana for
a long time, the acidity may increase.
- It reduces the blood flow to the genitals and massages
the nerve fibers which support them, is useful in the
treatment of swollen testicles and hydrocele in men. Helps
women for easy delivery and useful in the treatment of
menstrual problems. Useful in varicose veins.
Mental
Vajrasana is a very important meditation
posture, as we can sit with an erect spine comfortably for
a long time. This is a very good pose for people suffering
from sciatica and sacral infections.
Pranic
Vajrasana activates the prana in susumna
and redirects sexual energy to the brain for spiritual purpose.
Techniques
- Sit on the floor with legs stretched forward, place
plams on the floor, by the side of the hips, keeping back
straight.
- Lean towards left and bend your right leg and keep
the heel right under the buttock.
- Similarly, lean to the right and bring the left leg
under the left buttock. Keep the knees close to each other,
spine erect. Keep the head, shoulder and buttocks in one
plane. Rest the palms on each other and then on the upper
part of the thighs.
- Look straight, then close the eyes and maintain the
final posture for a while.
- While returning to the original position, lean to your
right, unfold left leg, lean to the left and unfold the
right leg.
Cautions
- Beginners can take packing of a pillow or rolled carpet
below the ankle and knee if they find too much stretch
in their ankle joint. If pain is felt in the ankles or
knees you can release the posture and gradually increase
the time for maintaince.
- People suffering from arthritis of knee or ankles should
not practice it.
Duration
There should be a gap of at least 5 minutes
between your meals and when you practice Vajrasana. This will
enhance the digestion process. In acute digestive disorders,
sit in Vajarasana and practice right nostril breathing for
2 - 3 minutes, followed by abdominal breathing for 30 to 40
breaths, before and after food.
Variations
- Check the flow of breath through nostrils. If the right
nostril is prominent then place the right big toe on the
top of the right toe (this is not clear).
- This helps balance the flow of breath in the left and
right nostrils, which are related to ida and pingala nadis.
This asana tranquilizes the mind.
- If there is too much strain at the knees and ankles,
keep pillows under the buttocks and both the knees.
Please remember that no practice can be
adequately learned from a book, written instructions. The
guidelines given in the web pages are intended to give you
an introduction to different yogic postures. However, it is
advised to practice the asanas under the guidance of a Guru
or a qualified yoga instructor. |
