Padmasana

Other Names

Lotus Posture/ Pose, Padm Asan, Padma Asana

Description

Padma literally means lotus. This is the posture for meditation. It is the ultimate yoga pose, Padmasana requires open hips and consistent practice.

How to reach the stretch

• Keep the right foot on the left thigh.
• Start bouncing the right knee.
• If the bouncing knee easily touches the floor, then bend the left knee, take hold of the left foot with both hands, gently glide it over the crossed right leg and place it on the right thigh.
• This will give symmetrical placement of the legs and you are in lotus position.
• The hands should be kept on the knees with palms open, and the thumb and second finger of each hand should touch forming a letter O.

How to release the stretch

Stay in the position as long as you can and after that release the pose and be comfortable.

Benefits

• It is effective for liver disorder.
• This is an extremely good pose for meditation and concentration.
• It has a calming effect on the mind and the nerves.
• This pose keeps the spine erect.
• Helps develop a good posture.
• Helps keep the joints in flexible condition.

Caution

• Those suffering from chronic knee pain should not practice it.
• Those getting cramps in calf-muscles should practice it cautiously.
• After keeping one leg on the other thigh, if other leg can not be placed fully on the other thigh, do not try to put it forcefully.

Next: Halasana