BODY ~ COLUMN
A healing tool
R eports of yoga injuries due to
overzealousness in practitioners
or instructors put off newcomers from
means that the problem has finally left
your body. Often, it also means the
emotional imprint and distress that
a challenging practice. This is particu- triggered it has also been exorcised.
Shameem Akthar has trained as larly true of a nation where physical You can also break into it by learning
Yoga Acharya with the Sivananda
Yoga Vedanta Centre, Kerala, activity is still regarded with lukewarm the preparatory poses that ease you into
and is a master-trainer in neuro-
linguistic psychology. enthusiasm. However, if you look at it. For instance, to negotiate the cobra
Email: sama_yama@yahoo.co.in
http://jaisivananda.blogspot.com
yoga as a tool for personal develop- or bhujangasana more confidently,
ment instead of just a physical fitness you can start with the simpler standing
regimen, you learn to move deeper into backbends like crescent (ardha chan-
ua nd rac- your body. This will open you into that drasana). For headstand, you can start
c n a ha d still un-largely uncharted expanse that with the pranamasana (prayer pose),
swims between the body and mind. or the dolphin pose.
mann r can h a Here is where healing actually happens,
as does personal development. Adhomukha svanasana
h ha h u
Interestingly, the physical inability to (Downward-facing dog):
ha cm n h do a pose or the weaknesses displayed To do this pose, also referred to as
may seem far removed from the actual parvatasana or mountain pose, kneel
way problem the person is suffering. A few down. Lean forward to place palms flat
by Shameem Akthar examples: A person with respiratory on the ground in front. Exhale. Hoist
problems may find the simple dan- hips off the floor, pushing down shoul-
dasana (stick pose) difficult. They will ders as you continue breathing, mak-
negotiate it with a curved spine or lifted ing following adjustments. Push down
knees that refuse to touch the ground. heels. Focus attention on the stomach.
Similarly, those with attention deficit Apply pressure from the shoulder
will have a great issue with the adho- blades. Move your head as close to the
mukha svanasana (downward facing ground as possible. Hold the pose as
dog pose): their knees will remain bent, long as you can. Do this several times
their heels will not touch the ground, initially. Later, build up the stamina to
and their upper back will curve. Does hold pose for a minute or so.
this mean they should not attempt
these poses at all? Benefits: Is a powerful stamina-build-
On the contrary, they must learn to er. Boosts calmness due to blood flow
do such practices in a phased manner. to the brain. Balances blood pressure,
This is crucial since this sustained prac- both low and high. Alleviates all spi-
tice will gently, over time, iron out the nal problems. Tones arms and legs.
psycho-physical blockages that is caus- Removes wrinkles. A great workout
ing them distress on the physical front. for the entire body. [
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When you are able to do a pose, http://www.lifepositive.com/Magazine/July2010
We welcome your comments and suggestions on this article.
which for long gave you trouble, it Mail us at editor@lifepositive.net
1 july 1