Asana 5 - Pavanamuktasana (Air Relieving Pose)

Pavanamuktasana (Air Relieving Pose)

Technique 1: Single leg

Ø  Lie down on the back with your hands to the sides.

Ø  Breathing in, fold the left leg at the knee and bring it towards yourself.

Ø  Breathing out, grasp the knee and press it downwards into the abdomen gently.

Ø  Hold in place till breathing out has been completed and the top of the thighs are completely pressing the abdominal viscera.

Ø  Breathing in, release the knee and bring it to normal position.

Ø  Repeat the process on the right leg.

Technique 2: Both legs

Ø  Perform the exercise in the sequence explained above except that instead of one leg, use both legs.

Ø  Obese people and those with a history of cardiac problems should start slowly and add both number of times and pressure slowly.

Benefits:

Ø  This exercise is a very good starting point for people who are just beginning a yogasana exercise routine. The pressing down of the abdominal viscera is gradual and increases as flexibility increases in the person.

Ø  Very good for increasing capillary circulation in the lower abdomen, increasing balance of secretion and absorption in the intestines and removing flatulence.

Ø  Very good for hyper acidity, gastritis and diabetes and all digestive ailments.

Ø Good for increasing flexibility of the lumbar region of the spine and strengthening the muscles of the lower back.

Some noteworthy points:

In order to remain close to the condition of homeostasis or personal equilibrium, the following points are suggested;

Ø  One could use the upper arms to pull the knees into the abdomen; in this case, there is greater arching of the lumbar region and the hips leave the ground. Alternatively, one could use the forearms to press the knees into the abdomen; in this case the hips stay on the ground. Each impact a different area of the abdomen, but the use of the forearm to press the knee is closer to homeostasis.

Ø  It is important to count when keeping the knees pressed into the abdomen. This facilitates the complete evacuation of the terminal portion of the small intestine into the large intestine.