by yoga teacher Gregorian Bivolaru

In yoga, ASANA is considered to be a simultaneous work of vibrating in unison with the infinitude, of the body, soul and mind. ASANA is a quiescent posture with a specific concentration. It is more than just a physical exercise; it is a modality of psychosomatic integration. This gentle and admirable closeness to the being’s mysteries is based on postural re-education and aims towards the spiritual awakening with the help of the body.

He who practices it discovers inner peace and harmony, noticing at the same time that his energy and vital level grows considerably. So, an asana is a static posture that eases the subconscious mental and physical schemes’ relaxation. Such schemes trouble and even block the person’s free movement and creativity. Unconscious and restrictive, they often develop as answers to accidents, diseases, shocks, emotional traumas due to daily life stress, worries, responsibilities, dissatisfaction and sadness. They manifest as tension, holding back, rigidity or stiffness, pain or function limitation.

In a static posture, suggesting to the body tissues, with concentration, a new way of being and feeling, easier and freer, the mind transmits messages to the reception system that responds by relaxation, energy and well-being. Thus, we feel mind and emotions loosen together with the body.

Assiduous practice with a proper awareness of the yoga special postures, known as ASANA, triggers multiple resonance phenomena with different subtle vibration levels or Universe’s energy focal points.

The prevalent more and more felt effects (or YOGA-attitudes) are:

• Equilibrium;
• Self confidence;
• More energy;
• Resistance to stress and tiredness;
• A relaxing sensation of calm well-being;
• Fast regeneration;
• A better rest due to complete plug off;
• Creativity and concentration;
• Accumulation of energy;
• Physical and psychic re-harmonization.

Here are some examples of yoga body postures and some of their physical and psychic effects:

VIRASANA – THE POSTURE OF THE HERO

Amplifies vital energy and increases intuition. Gives relaxation and serenity.

PASHCHIMOTTANASANA – THE POSTURE OF THE PLIERS

Strengthens whole body, rejuvenates, heals hemorrhoids and constipation, and catalyzes emotions.

JANUSHIRSHASANA – THE LATERAL POSTURE with the head to the knees

makes the  spine supple, indicated in kidney diseases, sciatica; eliminates laziness.

SUKHASANA – THE PLEASANT POSTURE

Amplifies sexual energy, controls instincts, eliminates impulsivity, and gives receptivity.

YONI ASANA – THE POSTURE OF THE YONI (the female genital organ)

Amplifies feminine creativeness. Facilitates understanding of hidden emotions. Confers emotional balance and cures gynaecological diseases.

MATSYASANA – THE POSTURE OF THE FISH

Favours secretion of sexual hormones and strengthens spine’s muscles. Gives vitality and robustness, adjusts period disorders.

DHANURASANA – THE POSTURE OF THE BOW

Stimulates spine’s nerve centres, produces euphoric and inner freedom feeling. Increases self-confidence.

TRIKONASANA – THE POSTURE OF THE TRIANGLE

Makes supple and considerably develops spines’ muscles. Beneficially influences abdominal organs and urogenital system.

UDDHIYANA BANDHA – ABDOMINAL RETRACTION

Fights majority of abdominal affections, aerophagia, stimulates liver, has profound beneficial effect on solar plexus, transmutes and helps potential sexual  sublimation.

BHUJANGASANA – THE POSTURE OF THE COBRA

Makes supple the spine, maintains vitality and juvenance unaltered. Confers affective plenitude and Joy.

KURMASANA – THE POSTURE OF THE TURTLE

Activates functions of abdominal viscera, being relaxing and dynamic at the same time. Confers spiritual enlightenment, eliminates tensions, and increases introspection.

GOMUKHASANA – THE POSTURE OF THE COW’S HEAD

Makes supple the shoulder and elbow joints, aligning spine. Gives inner blossoming and spiritual harmony.

SARVANGASANA – THE POSTURE OF THE CANDLE

Improves brain’s blood irrigation, provides a better veined circulation for legs and abdomen, has most effects on thyroid gland. Gives purification and artistic creativity.

ARDHA-MATSYENDRASANA – THE TORSION POSTURE

Corrects spine’s deviations, strengthens sympatic nervous system and remarkably revitalizes body. Facilitates awakening of intuition.

VIPARITA-KARANI – THE REVERSED POSTURE

Has an efficient effect upon obesity and cellulites, stimulates and decongests liver and digestive tube. Confers expressivity and self-affirmation.

HALASANA – THE POSTURE OF THE PLOUGH

It is a very strong spine tonic because of its complex action; in addition, brings metabolism to normal and offers mind suppleness and inspiration.

PADMASANA – THE POSTURE OF THE LOTUS

Accelerates blood circulation in lumbar region and in abdomen, strengthens spine and abdominal organs. Allows awakening of Kundalini – latent energy in human being. Increases mental concentration, eases assimilation of spiritual experiences.

VAJRASANA – THE POSTURE OF THE THUNDERBOLT

Rebalances the spine, eliminates period or menopause related affections for women. Gives confidence and psycho-mental balance.

PRASARITA PADATTANASANA – THE EXTENDED POSTURE WITH THE HEAD TO THE GROUND

Increases digestion capacity, helps reducing body weight in cases of obesity, amplifies mental energy. Gives harmony and superior integration.

SHIRSHASANA – THE POSTURE OF HEAD SITTING

Due to its complex effects, it is also called “Queen of asanas”. Ameliorates memory, increases concentration and nervous tiredness resistance, eliminates anxiety and nervousness, and awakens telepathic capacities. Confers wisdom and perseverance.