HOW TO CARRY OUT ASHTANGA NAMASKARA
A fundamental part of the sun salutation, let us get to know better this asana that many confuse and do not carry out correctly.
Ashtanga in Sanskrit means “the eight limbs” or “The eight parts” while namaskara is a form of respectful greeting or awe, therefore this asana means “the position of the reverential greeting of the eight parts”. In this asana the body in fact touches the ground in eight specific points: the tips of the feet, knees, chest, chin and hands.
HOW TO CARRY OUT ASHTANGA NAMASKARA
- First of all start sitting in Vajrasana
- Place your hands on the ground and move forward until the arms are perpendicular to the ground
- Raise the back of your feet from the ground and make sure that they are supported by the toes. The supporting points in this moment to support the weight of the body will hence be the tip of the feet, knees, chest and chin and hands (8 in all). The pelvic area is raised from the ground.
- Keep this position until you can always breathing slowly and with awareness.
- Exit from the position and slowly get back in Vajrasana.
BENEFITS OF ASHTANGA NAMASKARA
Ashtanaga Namaskara is a very known pose, lets see the benefits of ashtanga namaskara:
- Revitalizes and Tones
- Relaxes the lumbar region, especially useful for people who are often sitting uncomfortable positions for extended periods of time.
- Helps the ascent of Kundalini Shakti, creating the right conditions for a profound spiritual transformation.
- Restores the natural curvature of the spine.
- Strengthens the back muscles
- Improves sexual energy, helping the practice of Brahmacharya, one of the five Yama of Patanjali.
WHEN NOT TO CARRY OUT ASHTANGA NAMASKARA
This position should be avoided after the sixth month of pregnancy in order not to stress too much the lumbar muscles of the back.
You should also avoid Ashtanga namaskara if you have problems in the lumbar area.
If you want to deepen and to start with the basics of yoga take a look at our ebook yoga for everyone.
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