Vajrasana- Thunderbolt Pose

  Yoga made Easy!

By Reshma Jadhav

 

        In this series I am going to write about basic but very effective yoga Asanas one can practice with minimal directions. if you practice these asanas daily as per instruction you will find very tremendous health benefits.  

     Todays Asana is Vajrasana(thunderbolt Pose)

' Vajra' means Diamond-shaped or thunderbolt; Asana means Pose or posture. So Vajrasana reflects ahape of diamond or thunderbolt. 

If there is one holistic pose that you can slip into easily and still gain a variety of benefits' it is Vajrasana. 

Steps

• Sit with your legs stretched straight in front of you.
• Now, fold both the legs and sit in a kneeling position. Keep the hips on the heels; the toes should point out behind you, and your big toes should touch each other at the back.
• If you are a beginner, you may want to keep a cushion under your feet for comfort to prevent ankle pain.
• You can also choose to keep a cushion or blanket above the feet and below the knees, in case of knee pain. Don’t forget to consult your doctor in case of some special medical conditions.
• Sit comfortably on the pit formed by the parted heels.
• Keep your head, neck, and spine in a straight line. Place your palms on your thighs, facing upwards.
• If you are an advanced yoga practitioner, hold this pose for about 15 minutes, while taking long and deep breaths. Beginners may start with about 30 seconds, according to their comfort level. 
• Exhale and relax. 
• Straighten your legs.
  
  
  

 

Benefits of Vajrasana

·        Improves digestion, prevents constipation

Vajrasana assists our digestive system by restricting blood flow to our legs and thighs while increasing blood flow to our stomach. This helps us get rid of constipation and enhances our bowel motions. Vajrasana also aids in the elimination of gas and acidity. It ensures that our bodies absorb nutrients more effectively.

·      Relieves Low Back Pain

Vajrasana strengthens our lower back muscles, bringing relief from pain and stiffness. It also aids in the relief of sciatica pain.

       Improves posture

One of the requirements of Vajrasana is that you keep your back straight at all times. This allows you to hold the position for longer periods of time while also allowing you to absorb more of the posture's benefits. Regular practise of this pose will condition your back to be straight all of the time, resulting in improved posture.

Helps in reducing menstrual cramps

Period cramps, can be excruciating at times. Is there, however, a natural cure for menstrual pain? Yes, Vajrasana is one among them. According to studies, the asana helps to relieve period pains by relaxing the waist and hip region.

Helps in weight loss

As previously stated, the body's digestion is improved by redirecting blood flow away from the legs and toward the pelvic region. Better digestion implies that food is broken down more efficiently, which means that fat is not accumulated as quickly. If you're trying to reduce weight, Vajrasana should become a daily practice in your life for greater outcomes.

 

Who should consult the doctor before practicing?

Some physical conditions put restrictions on us. In the following cases, people should consult their doctors before doing Vajrasana.

• Those who have acute trouble or stiffness in foot, ankle, and knees.
• Those with a slipped disc. 
• Those who have difficulty in the movement of limbs must take great care.

Unique elements of Vajrasana

• This is the only yoga asana you can do after eating. If you sit in Vajrasana after your meals, food gets digested well.
• This asana reduces the flow of blood to the lower regions, increasing circulation to the upper parts – the digestive system, lungs, and brain.

 

• It is the base pose - many other asanas like
• Gomukhasana
• Shishuasana
• Ushtrasna
• Supta-Vajrasana

You can do pranayama and meditation in vajrasana so you can enjoy benefits of both Asnana and meditation /pranayama!!

 

(Reshma is yoga teacher, Lifestyle Coach)

 

Disclaimer:

Views expressed in this article in NO way medical opinion, It is advisable please consult with your doctor or yoga teacher before starting any yoga practice.  You can reach Author mail careshmajadhav@gmail.com

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