VAJRASANA – Hero Pose to ease digestion

Christmas is approaching with lots of temptation, sweet and savoury … Some overindulgence is almost unavoidable.  I would like to introduce you a reasonably easy to perform yoga asana, Vajrasana, which is one of the basic Hatha Yoga poses. It has multiple health benefits and one of them is to ease digestion. Although it is strongly not recommended to practice yoga or any other physical activity with full stomach, as it can cause discomfort, still there is this wonderful yoga asana You can practice directly after having your meal.

Here is how to do:

Kneel on a soft, folded blanket with knees together. Bring the big toes together and separate the heels. With the help of your hands move your calf muscles away and sit on to the inside surface of your feet with the heels touching the sides of the hip.

Place your hands on your thighs, palm down. Sit nice and upright, lengthen your spine. Feel your sitting bones rooting. Roll your shoulders back and down, creating space between your ears and shoulders. Draw your shoulder blades into your back, move your chest forward and up.

You can practice Vajrasana directly after meals, for as long as it is still comfortable, but preferably for five minutes. As it comes uncomfortable, sit with your legs stretched forward and make some circles with your ankles, roll your legs side to side, until the discomfort disappears.

Modifications:

If the tops of the feet are uncomfortable increase the softness by using more folded blankets. If there is a discomfort in the knees, place a rolled-up blanket or bolster between the ankles and thighs.

Caution:

Do not practice Vajrasana if you suffer from osteoarthritis or in case of ankle or knee injury.  Consider in pregnancy as extra weight can overload the knee joint. Avoid practising if you have heart problem or headache.

If you would like to have more insight  into yoga asanas and enjoy the multiple benefits of practising yoga , please join me on Facebook and visit me at my yoga sanctuary, where I offer different types of private yoga sessions to help to improve your general health and well-being.

I look forward to seeing You soon. Namaste,  Agnes Legradi,  private yoga teacher