Very few people realize the role of the spine in physical and mental health. Thousands of years ago Yogis gave great importance to the development and protection of the spine. A healthy spine is one which is erect and flexible. And so it is essential to maintain the correct posture when sitting, standing, walking, etc.
Yastikasana – Upward Stretch
The spine is part of the central nervous system that is responsible for all of the body’s functions. A defect in the spine’s structure due to wrong posture or lifestyle or even stress, can cause problems in the nervous system and lead to many diseases. Modern medicine can only treat the signs and symptoms of such problems and try and rectify the damage through surgery. But if the root cause is not removed, more problems will always arise. Yoga aims at preve ntion of such a situation by simply imbibing the right way of living.
Bhujangasana – Backward bend
There is a thick and strong network of muscles around the spine which helps in it in moving in different ways. Yogasanas were formulated by Yogis to include these specific movements of the spine, viz. upward stretch, backward bend, forward bend, sideward bend and twist. These Asanas help in maintaining the inter-vertebral space, improving blood circulation in the muscles and increasing muscle strength. This in turn helps protect the spine and keep it healthy.
Konasana – Sideward bend
Here are some of the simplified Asanas taught at The Yoga Institute that help a householder to maintain physical health even in the midst of stress, work and strain.
Pascimottanasana – Forward bend
To learn more about the Asanas taught at The Yoga Institute, visit the Asana stall during the WHY Convention on 25th & 26th December 2012, at The Yoga Institute, Santacruz, Mumbai.
Sitting Vakrasana – Twist
Look for these books at the Book Stall during the event
