Apanasana - The Wind Relieving Pose
ah-pahn-AHS-uh-nuh.
Apana = is the downward flow of prana.
Asana = steady pose.
This yoga posture is nurturing and restorative, it is ideal at the end of any yoga practice before moving into Savasana. It aids digestion and helps to move wind and waste through the digestive system it also helps to release tension in the lower back.
Apana is one of the five major prana vayus (or flows of prana). Apana is the downward force of the exhalation and assists with the elimination process.
How to do Apanasana - The Wind Relieving Pose
Lie on your back and draw your knees in towards your chest, lightly hold either your knees or shins. Take your time to relax your shoulders and feel your hips very heavy. Scan through your body and notice if both sides of your body feel equal in length. Picture your inhalation travelling up your spine and your exhalation travelling down your spine removing any tension as it exits the body.
Try the following whilst in Apanasana.
As you inhale allow the knees to drift away and as you exhale bring the knees closer to your chest. Continue for ten complete breaths. The last time you draw your knees in towards your chest hold it there and continue to breathe slowly. If it is comfortable lift your head and direct your forehead towards your knees, relax your shoulders and hold for five complete breaths.
This blog article was written by Sue Fuller creator of the Yoga 2 Hear range of audio yoga classes and yoga teacher training courses.
