New Delhi, April 18 (IANS). Asana in Yoga Shastra is not limited to just making the body flexible, rather it is the art of establishing a deep bridge between body and mind. A very powerful asana of this art is Baddha Padmasana, which is also called ‘tied lotus’.
Baddha Padmasana is considered an advanced form of Padmasana. In this, the legs are folded like a lotus and tied behind the back with the hands. ‘Baddha’ means ‘tied’ and Padma means ‘lotus flower’. This asana is effective in increasing the stability, balance and flexibility of the body.
As per the guidelines of Ministry of AYUSH and yoga tradition, Baddha Padmasana is an advanced yoga asana, which is done while sitting in Padmasana position. This is also called ‘Locked Lotus Pose’. To do this, first of all sit in Padmasana posture. Then, place the left foot on the right thigh and the right foot on the left thigh, so that the heels meet below the navel. Now take both hands back. Hold the toe of the left foot with the left hand and the toe of the right foot with the right hand. Open the chest forward and keep the spine straight. Stay for 30 seconds to 1 minute initially. Increase the time gradually. Keep breathing normal and concentrate by closing your eyes.
Regular practice of this stretches the back muscles and improves blood flow in the spinal cord, which keeps the spine healthy. At the same time, when done lying down, there is slight pressure on the stomach, which improves digestion and helps in problems like constipation.
It opens the chest, which increases the ability to breathe and the lungs function well. Additionally, it calms the mind and improves concentration and thinking ability.
This is an advanced asana. Do not practice if you have severe pain or injury in your knees, ankles or back. This should be done only under the supervision of a yoga expert.
–IANS
NS/DKP