What is vakrasana ?

Vakrasana is a yoga posture that is derived from two Sanskrit words, Vakra which means twisted and Asana which means yoga posture. It involves a gentle spinal twist and is known for its numerous health benefits. In the past, Vakrasana was considered a simplified version of Ardhamatsyendrasana, another yoga posture that involves a deeper spinal twist.

Steps of vakrasana-

1. Sit on a yoga mat with your legs stretched out in front of you. Your spine should be straight, and your hands should be resting on your knees.
2. Bend your left knee and place your left foot beside your right knee. The sole of your left foot should be flat on the ground.
3. As you exhale, twist your waist towards the left. You should feel a stretch along your spine, from the base of your tailbone all the way up to the crown of your head. Make sure to keep your back straight throughout the twist.
4. Bring your right arm to the outside of your left knee. As you inhale, lengthen your spine and lift your chest. As you exhale, use your arm to gently deepen the twist.
5. Move your right hand towards your left foot, trying to touch the floor with your fingertips. This will further deepen the twist and stretch of your hamstrings and lower back.
6. Place your left palm on the floor behind you, while keeping your back straight. You should feel a stretch along the front of your torso and the outer side of your right leg.
7. Hold the pose for a few deep breaths, then release and repeat on the other side. Make sure to bend your right knee and place your right foot beside your left knee before twisting towards the right.
8. Practice Vakrasana two to three times, holding each side for 30 seconds to 1 minute. This pose can help improve spinal flexibility, digestion, and overall body awareness. It’s also a great way to release tension in the back and hips

Advantages of vakrasana-

Vakrasana is a yoga posture that provides various health benefits. It can improve flexibility and reduce stiffness in the body. It can prevent adjacent vertebrae from fusing together, which is a common issue in elderly people. Vakrasana can help treat mild cases of slipped discs and sciatica.

It can also benefit people with diabetes by stimulating the pancreas to secrete more insulin and regulate blood sugar levels. This yoga posture can also alleviate indigestion, constipation, and rheumatism by improving digestion and stimulating the abdominal organs.