All of us have seen a rocket shoot up. Haven’t we?
We have seen them ejecting hot gases and fumes, and remnants of used up fuel, which become absolutely useless for the rocket. We have seen how that process helps rocket propel itself into the space.
I’m a yogini. I’m supposed to be talking about yoga. Then why am I discussing rocket science today?!
Because, the human body and mind are just like the rocket which you can see on the right.
The fuel for the human mind is ‘emotion’. It keeps the human mind on the go however, only the required emotions should be kept inside. All other negative emotions like stress, anxiety, sadness or depression; should promptly be thrust out in order to maintain a perfect balance between the mind and body.
Yoga believes that all our negative emotions get accumulated in the pelvic area or hips and need to be released to lead a much calmer and peaceful life.
Get the analogy to rocket now?!
How to release those emotions?
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Not only this, but hip-opening can have lot of other benefits too, like:
- Improving one’s alignment
- Easing lower and upper back pain
- Facilitating an agile gait and ease of movement
- Improving blood circulation in legs
- Restoring reproductive organs
- Balancing the root and sacral Chakras
- Decreasing chances of injury
Following is a list of top 10 hip openers that can help you change your life for good.
Happy or Joyful Baby Pose
Sanskrit Name: Ananda Balasana
Steps
Start by lying supine on the floor. Draw in your knees close to the chest and hold the outside edges of your feet with your hands, keeping your thighs parallel to the floor. Hold the pose for a minute, release, relax and repeat.
Associated Benefits: This pose strengthens the arms and shoulders and helps relieve stress by calming the mind.
Lizard Pose
Sanskrit Name: Utthan Pristhasana
Steps
Get into downward facing dog pose. Step your right foot forward and keep your hands on the floor. Bring your palms in prayer position while keeping your hands on the floor and lower down your left knee to the floor. Continue to lower your hips to the floor and draw the right knee closer to the body. Hold the pose for 15 seconds and release.
Associated Benefits: This pose strengthens the inner thigh muscles of the front leg and opens up the chest and neck.
Frog Pose
Sanskrit Name: Mandukasana
Steps
Get into the table pose (get onto all your fours). Your ankles should be directly behind your knees and feet should be turned outwards to the sides. Lower yourself onto your forearms and elbows. Exhale on a count of 2 and move and press your hips backwards. Push your hips and arms forward and lower your whole body so as to lie flat on the floor. Hold for 5 breaths and release.
Associated Benefits: This pose opens up the chest and shoulders and acts as a therapy for menstrual cramps.
Reclined Bound Angle Pose
Sanskrit Name: Supta Baddha Konasana
Steps
Sit on the floor and extend your legs in front of you. Bend your knees and draw them close to your chest. Drop your knees to the side and touch the soles of your feet together. Lean back by resting your elbows on the floor. Use your arms and hands for support and lie flat on the floor. Inhale and on a count of 3 put your hands in the prayer pose while keeping them in contact with the floor. Breathe deeply and relax in the pose holding it for 30 seconds at a time.
Associated Benefits: This pose increases blood circulation in the lower abdomen and improves digestion.
Tortoise or Turtle Pose
Sanskrit Name: Kurmasana
Steps
Sit on the floor with legs extended in front of you and feet as wide apart as possible. Bend the knees slightly, keeping heels in contact with the floor. Lean forward and slide your hands under the knees. Push forward your heels and straighten your legs as much as you can. Touch your chin to the floor and hold the pose for half a minute.
Associated Benefits: This pose decompresses the shoulders and spine and stretches the hamstrings.
Half Squat Pose
Sanskrit Name: Ardha Malasana
Steps
Stand with your legs comfortably apart. Raise your arms in front of you, parallel to the ground and at shoulder level. Inhale and raise your body on your toes and exhale and lower your body resting your thighs on your calves. Place your hips on your heels. Keep the heels raised and lower your hand to place your palms on your thighs. Hold the pose for as long as you can and release.
Associated Benefits: This pose tones and flexes the tendons of the legs and is beneficial for the muscles of the feet and ankles.
Crescent Lunge
Sanskrit Name: Anjaneyasana
Steps
Stand straight and bend your knees. Fold forward and place your hands on the floor. Step your left foot back and align your right knee and the heel of your right foot with each other. Slide back your left leg by lowering the left knee. Inhale and raise up your torso and swing your arms over your head. Hold the pose for a minute and release.
Associated Benefits: This pose strengthens the knees and stretches the hamstrings and the groin.
Bound Angle or Butterfly Pose
Sanskrit Name: Baddha Konasana
Steps
Sit with your legs extended in front of you. Bend your knees and bring the soles of your feet together. Let the knees fall to either side. Draw your feet as close to your body as possible press the outer edges of the feet together.
Associated Benefits: This pose helps to relieve menstrual discomfort and sciatica and also strengthens the groin and knees.
Seated Wide-legged Straddle Pose
Sanskrit Name: Upavistha Konasana
Steps
Sit with your legs extended in front of you and spread them as far apart as possible. Feel the stretch in the thighs and hips. Point the toes towards the sky. Press the legs down onto the floor. Breathe deeply and relax.
Associated Benefits: This pose stimulates the abdominal organs and strengthens the spine.
Last updated: July 28th, 2014
Next scheduled update: Sept 28th, 2014
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