Yoga, the perfect de-stressor

Yoga provides the support for physical, mental and spiritual growth regardless of age, or gender. However, there are some exercises that are particularly beneficial for women. According to Indian philosophy, women are worshipped as 'Shakti' and considered as the manifestation of the Goddess Durga. Women are the source of life on the planet and are nurturers, providers, and care-takers. They bear huge responsibilities and thus need to carry the necessary strength to fulfil their multiple duties as mother, wife, home-maker or a working professional.

The practice of yoga provides a supportive, positive and empowering effect on the practitioner. In today's circumstances, yoga can help to lend a calm equanimity so a woman can deal with these challenges better. Here are a few Yoga poses that every woman should practice for better health of her body, mind, and soul.

Jal Namaskar

The tattva of Jal or water is one that nurtures life. To show our gratitude to the life-giving water, we can offer the salutation of Jal Namaskar. The vinyasa is designed with a total of 28 counts containing asanas such as Matsyendra asana, Halasana, Supta Vajrasana and Matsya asana. Practicing the Jal Namaskar will help you identify and experience the water element within your body.

Steps to perform Jal Namaskar

l Padmasana – Lotus pose

l Dandasana – Staff pose

l Naukasana – Boat pose

l Dandasana – Staff pose

l Padmasana – Lotus pose

l Dandasana – Staff pose

l Halasana – Plough pose

l Adhomukha Swanasana – Downward-facing dog pose

l Supta Vajrasana – Reclined thunderbolt posture

l Matsyasana – Fish pose

l Ardha Matsyendrasana – Half pose dedicated to sage matsyendra

l Padma Sirshasana – Lotus headstand

l Pindasana – Embryo pose

Benefits

• Asanas which involve mobilizing the knees lubricate the knee caps and prevent them from turning stiff

• As there is an increased blood flow towards the face while practicing asanas such as Halasana, the skin will feel and look naturally healthy.

• Since there is an increased blood low towards the scalp when you practice asanas such as Padma Shirshasana, hair follicles get the right nutrients which they need to grow healthily. This, in turn, helps reduce hair loss.

• Asanas such as Pindasana are very beneficial to increase concentration power especially when held for long.

• As the neck is compressed while holding Halasana, the thyroid gland gets massaged. Not only does Halasana treat thyroid but also prevents its onset.

Mental benefits

Asanas such as Adhomukha Swanasana relieve a person from depression and stress

Anatomical benefits

• Mobilizes knees and ankles

• Improves body posture

• Strengthens core muscles

• Flexes and strengthens the neck and shoulders

• Strengthens lower back and shoulders

• Tones your waist

• Promotes weight loss

• Improves sense of balance

Sthiti Dhyan

• Find a place which you do not frequent, preferably a natural environment for this technique.

• Sit in any comfortable posture such as Sukhasana.

• Look ahead for 5 seconds, behind you for another five seconds and on Right and Left sides for five seconds each.

• Now close your eyes and recollect as many details that you observed as possible.

Benefits:

This meditative technique has numerous benefits.

• Helps to instil a sense of calmness

• It also builds your observation skills

• The process of this meditation helps improve Memory power

It slowly builds within the practitioner a greater sense of gratitude.

(The writer is a philanthropist, spiritual master, lifestyle coach, yoga-preneur and author)