New Delhi, April 12 (IANS): Yoga is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. Along with keeping the body fit, it also helps in maintaining mental balance. Especially there are some asanas of Hatha Yoga, which work on many parts of the body simultaneously. One of these is Upavishtha Konasana.
This asana may look simple, but it is very important to do it correctly, only then one can get its full benefits.
To start practicing Upavishtha Konasana, first sit straight on the ground and spread your legs in front. After this, slowly spread both the legs as much as is comfortable. While controlling your breathing, bend the body forward. During this, try to keep the back straight and move the hands forward towards the feet. Stay in this posture for some time and keep breathing normally and then slowly come back to normal position.
Talking about the benefits, this asana first of all affects the muscles of the body. When we bend forward with our legs spread, the muscles of the thighs, hamstrings and back get stretched. This stretch strengthens the muscles and increases their flexibility. Gradually, with regular practice, stiffness in the body starts reducing and it becomes easier to sit and get up.
This asana is also considered beneficial for the organs present inside the stomach. In the process of bending forward, there is slight pressure on the abdominal part, which activates the digestive system. This improves digestion of food and can provide relief from problems like gas, constipation.
Upavishtha Konasana can also help in reducing excess fat stored in the body. When the body goes into this position, the muscles around the abdomen and thighs are activated. Regular exercise speeds up the process of fat burning in these areas.
This asana is also very beneficial for the spine. During this, when you bend forward, there is a slight stretch on the spine. This stretch not only increases the flexibility of the spine but also makes it stronger. It is considered especially useful for those who work sitting for long periods of time.
This asana also improves lung function. During this asana, the process of controlled breathing is adopted, which improves the flow of oxygen in the lungs. This strengthens the ability to breathe and the body gets more energy.
This asana is also very useful in terms of mental health. When the body remains in a still position and the focus is on the breath, the mind gradually begins to calm down. This reduces stress, anxiety and restlessness and you feel more relaxed.
But if you have severe pain in back, shoulders or legs then do not do this asana.
–IANS
PK/AS
