How to properly perform yoga asanas

The Sanskrit word "asana" means the position of the body, usually associated with the practice of yoga, and its original meaning indicates the mastery of sitting still. Later the yoga asanas began to be understood as various poses by which the practitioner achieves spiritual well-being, and also increases the flexibility and vitality of his body.

Several decades ago, yoga, like many methods of spiritual improvement, which came from different parts of the world, became incredibly popular and in demand in the West. However, due to the fact that other types of exercises aimed solely at maintaining the physical form, as well as substantially different from the affected subject, are more usual for a modern resident of Europe, self-practicing asanas of yoga can be performed with significant disabilities.

It is not uncommon for beginner yogis engaged without an experienced instructor to arbitrarily combine familiar poses, not suspecting that asanas can not be shuffled randomly. The correct sequence of positions plays a key role in the effectiveness of practice, and each asana has a specific effect on the body. In the right combination, yoga asanas can have healing effects, increase energy intake, and soothe the entire body. Understanding this principle is especially important for the intelligent perception of yoga as a system that is much more than just a thoughtless repetition of poses. Asanas in yoga are science and art. The ability to make the right sequence of exercises is a scientific element of this practice.

The importance of observing key principles is especially emphasized by the system of the great teacher of our time - Iyengar yoga. Asanas performed with thoroughness and absolute accuracy are the hallmark of classes by the technique of a master who continues teaching for 75 years.

Thus, if the posture assumes straight legs, this means that they must be absolutely straight. If the limbs should be bent at the knees, the right angle between the thighs and calves should be observed. In some asanas, the ideal symmetry between the hands and feet is important, as well as the correct weight distribution at the points of support. Thoroughness of performing poses serves, first of all, to the proper functioning of the human body. When the yoga asanas are clearly and precisely aligned, breathing is balanced, resulting in a balance between the mind, feelings and emotions. It is necessary to study how each correctly executed posture affects a person as a whole.

Practitioners of Iyengar yoga are also known for their ability to hold the asana for a long time. For a beginner, this serves to develop willpower, which is essential at the initial stages of practice. In the future, you must go beyond pure compulsion and rise to a level where you naturally want to stay in the asana for a long time. Afterwards, stability and joy will appear in the poses.