How to carry out pavana muktasana or the wind-relieving pose

PAVANA MUKTASANA

Let us now look at the position or asana called PAVANA MUKTASANA or also translated as the wind-relieving pose because , and this makes us smile a bit, frees the intestinal gas.
The word pavana in Sanskrit means “wind” and Mukta “free or liberty”, to which the name of this asana you can translate literally as the “wind-relieving position” or “wind liberating pose”.

Pavana is also another name that is used to indicate the divinity Vayu in Hindu mythology, the God of the winds. Vayu or vata is also used to describe the air as one of the five elements (together with Earth, Fire, and water), that compose the dosha of traditional Indian medicine, Ayurveda and therefore this position pavana muktasana is identified precisely with the element of air.
HOW TO CARRY OUT PAVANA MUKTASANA

Lets now see how to carry out pavana muktasana step by step:
– Lie on the ground in a supine position with your legs and arms stretched out along the mat.
– With an exhalation bring both knees in towards the chest and turn your arms around them,by grasping the elbows with the opposite hand.

– The knees in this manner are held and lightly press on the abdomen.
– Keep the legs and knees as joined as much as possible resting on the chest.

– Your head rests on the mat, in line with the spine.

– Your feet are relaxed together with your neck and shoulders.
– Breathe normally and maintain this position for as long as possible.
– Return to the starting position very slowly and calmly, with a long exhalation and put back your legs and arms on the ground.

LETS DISCOVER THE BENEFITS OF PAVANA MUKTASANA
The pavana muktasana pose has numerous benefits:

Reduces abdominal bloating and improves digestion. It is very good for all abdominal organs; cures even acidity and reduces fat.
Massages all the internal abdominal organs
Allows you to get rid of intestinal gases (the name suggests)
Stretches the back muscles, alleviating backache, especially at lumbar level
Brings a feeling of relaxation, calmness and wellbeing.

Pavana Muktasana is however not suitable if you have just undergone a surgey at abdominal level or if suffering from abdominal hernia or testicular disorders.
It is not indicated in addition if you have serious problems at the level of the vertebrae or are in the second trimester of pregnancy.

If you want to deepen and start with the basics of yoga take a look at our ebook yoga for everyone