Asana name: Thunderbolt Pose 

Sanskrit name: Vajrasan 

Meaning: Thunderbolt Pose 

General Benefits:

Alters the flow of blood and nervous impulses in the pelvic region and strengthens the pelvic muscles. Increases efficiency of the entire digestive system. It aids in digestion immediately after eating. This is the only asana that can be practiced after a meal, ideally for ten minutes. It is an important meditation posture because the body becomes upright and straight with no effort. The mind and body becomes stabilized and hence it is one of the recommended asanas for pranayam, concentration and meditation. Stimulates the vajra nadi and redirects sexual energy. - The special fold of the legs forms a bandha. This bandha controls the blood circulation from the waist downwards which is the reason this asana is recommended after Shirshasan. It also means that there is increased blood circulation in the abdominal area.

 

Benefits for Women:

 

Therapeutic Applications:

Weak digestive system

 

Taking the Position:

In sitting position, bend your left leg and bring the foot to the left buttock. Bend your right leg and place the right foot next to the left foot. Shift the weight forward onto the toes. Bring your knees to the ground, toes together, heels apart and sit between your heels. Place the palms of your hands on the knees. Maintain the asana, breathing normally.

 

Releasing the Positions:

To release the asana, remove the hands from the knees and return them to your sides. Raise your knees and shift your weight onto your toes. Straighten the left leg. Straighten the right leg and lower the buttocks to the ground returning to sitting position.

 

Anatomical Focus:

Lumbar region of the spinal column. Lower abdomen.

 

Anatomical Awareness:

Focus on lower back, buttocks

 

Do's:

Remember to breathe normally while in the pose, as there would be a tendency to stop doing so.

 

Don'ts:

Tense up the whole body while lifting the legs off the ground and maintaining it. The body should be soft and efforts to be made on relaxing the body.