Dharana forms an important component of treating obesity with Yoga. It involves nothing but a complete awareness of the part of the body that is stretched during the practice. While you are in the final posture of the asana , you are expected to concentrate fully on the part that is being stretched. This phase of focusing the mind on the zone is what is called a Dharana.
Yoga is a way of life. It is not just about doing some asanas or vigorous exercises . It requires commitment and internal awareness to change your lifestyle. A balanced state of mind is to be practiced under all situations. Thus a balance between the rate of energy production and expenditure is restored naturally by resulting in the growth of the personality at both physical and mental levels.
Halasana
Sthiti : Supine Posture
Practice
- Inhale , raise the legs together slowly (without bending the knees) till it forms about 45 degree to the ground.
- Continue to Inhale and raise the legs further to 90 degree position and simultaneously bring the arms down placing them next to the buttocks.
- Exhale , raise the buttocks and the trunk without lifting the head. Support the back by the palms . Rest the elbows on the ground firmly to give better support to the back.
- Maintaining the legs parallel to the ground , straighten the trunk by pushing it up with the hands till the chin is well set in the suprasternal hollow. Inhale in this position.
- Exhale, bring down the toes further to touch the ground , release both hands and rest the arms straight on the ground, parallel to each other, with palms facing the ground.
- Maintain this position for one minute with normal breathing.
- Inhale , come back slowly step by step to rest the trunk on the floor.
- Now exhale and bring down the legs to the ground
- Relax in Savasana
Note
Make sure that you have achieved perfect balance before you release the hands supporting the trunk.
Benefits
It stretches and stimulates the back muscles , spinal joints and lumbar nerves . It also enhances blood flow to the neck , activating the thyroid and keeps the spine flexible.
Limitations
People with spinal disorders , hypertension and cardiac problems are advised to avoid this asana.
"This is a collected article from Sri Swami Vivekananda Yoga research Foundation . Simple yoga books are available at the institute. Our sincere thanks to Dr R Nagarathna and Dr H R Nagendra for sharing the details."
"This is a collected article from Sri Swami Vivekananda Yoga research Foundation . Simple yoga books are available at the institute. Our sincere thanks to Dr R Nagarathna and Dr H R Nagendra for sharing the details."
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