Health benefits of Hanumanasana and how to practice it
The word yoga means to connect or unite. To connect with the self, the divine self or the soul. There are eight different parts of yoga which include yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana and samadhi. When all of them are performed, enlightenment is attained. The asanas and pranayama of yoga can help in curing various health conditions and managing their symptoms.
There are different yoga asanas and each of them has its own benefits. One of them is HanumanasanaAlso known as the Monkey PoseThis asana helps open the hips and stretch the muscles in the groin and hamstring region. The name Hanumanasana is derived from the Sanskrit words “Hanuman” meaning “Lord Hanuman” and “Asana” meaning “Posture”. When you complete this pose, your body resembles the long jump of Lord Hanuman and hence it is known as the monkey pose. This asana is known to have several health benefits.
But first, let’s see how to perform the pose correctly.
- Begin by kneeling on the floor with your knees slightly apart. Place your right foot forward and lift the inner sole so that only the outer heel touches the floor.
- Exhale and bend your torso forward and bring your fingertips to touch the floor.
- Slowly move your left knee back until the knee and the front of your foot touch the floor. Also, slide your right leg forward until it completely touches the floor.
- Sliding your left foot back and your right foot forward, come into a split position.
- The toes of your right foot should point towards the ceiling and the front of your left foot should touch the floor.
- Raise your arms and put your palms together. Stretch your arms and arch your back slightly.
- Stay in this position for a couple of breaths before lowering your arms again.
- To exit this pose, shift your weight onto your hands by pressing them into the floor. Slowly slide your left and right feet back to the starting position before repeating the pose with your left leg in front and your right leg behind.
Health benefits of Hanumanasana
Improves flexibility
This pose helps stretch the hamstrings, hip flexors, and groin. If you practice it regularly, you will increase the range of motion in these areas and therefore overall flexibility.
Strengthens muscles
This pose helps strengthen the muscles in the legs and core. Contracting these muscles while performing the asana helps build strength, especially in the thighs, buttocks, and lower abdomen.
Improves hip mobility
This pose requires great flexibility in the hip. Practicing it helps to relax the hip joints, thus improving mobility and reducing the risk of hip-related problems. This can be very beneficial for athletes and people with sedentary lifestyles.
Helps with balance and stability.
Maintaining this pose requires great balance and stability. Engaging your core and leaning on your legs helps improve your balance over time. This is important for other yoga poses and also for your daily activities.
Improves circulation
This posture promotes blood flow to the legs, hips and lower back. Better circulation can help with muscle recovery and improve overall cardiovascular health.
Relieves sciatica pain
By stretching the hamstrings and lower back, this pose can help reduce sciatica pain. This pose releases tension along the path of the sciatic nerve, which relieves discomfort caused by tight muscles or nerve compression.
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