Ashtanga Yoga Project

AKARSHANASANA (ANANTASANA )

Welcome to Ashtanga Yoga Collection Project!
At AYA, we are attempting to demystify any secrets and misgivings about Ashtanga Yoga.

The following article will try to provide comprehensive and neutral information from various subject-matter experts about Ashtanga Yoga Postures and Practices. We have called this 'Ashtanga Yoga Collection' Project. This project aims to become a ready-reckoner and a reference for yoga teachers and enthusiasts training in Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga. Although it is not an open forum, we invite participation from Ajarya Teachers as also yoga teachers from all over the world. All your submissions will be reviewed by our panel before they are published online.

• Lie on the right side with the left leg on top of the right leg.
• Bend the right arm placing the elbow on the floor.
• Raise the torso and head, supporting them on the right elbow.
• Rest the head in the right palm. The forearm and upper arm should be nearly vertical.
• Place the left arm on the left thigh.
• This is the starting position.
• Raise the left leg as high as possible without straining, and slide the left hand to the foot and grasp the big toe. If this is too difficult hold the foot as close as possible.
• Keep the legs straight. This is the final position.
• Lower the raised leg and arm to the starting position.
• Practice a maximum of ten times. Relax in Shavasana.
• Repeat on the other side.

• It is a very good asana for stretching the muscles of your back and side torso as well as the hamstrings and the muscles of the calves.
• Your pelvic floor muscles and hip muscles are toned and your abs are firmed. Additionally you strengthen your armpit muscles and shoulders.
• Anantasana increases flexibility in your legs and prevents issues of hernia.
• In many cases, this asana can be good against back pain as well.
• By lying on your left side, you stimulate your blood circulation which is beneficial for your heart and the supply of oxygen throughout your body. Through this proper blood circulation, even edema of legs and arms can be healed.
• Your digestive system also has a benefit from this pose. You shift undigested food from one side of the intestines to the other. This does not mean however that you should do this yoga posture right after food. Always keep a sufficient time gap in between eating and workout.
• If you suffer from light arthritis, Anantasana can help you reduce your pain. Regular practice can prevent further worsening.
• If you do this pose regularly, your risk of sciatica is minimalized as well.
• Through the movement of your leg, the yoga pose is good for your bladder and for women beneficial for the ovaries while men have benefits for their prostate glands. The whole region is working and women experience that menstrual disorders are reduced.
• It also reduces mental stress and strain as well as its results.
• Stress related disorders such as fatigue can be prevented and also cured with a workout practice that includes this asana.
• The first chakra is stimulated with this asana and you thus activate the root energy.
• Like nearly all balancing poses, kids especially enjoy this asana.
• You can even do this yoga pose in bed. You may have problems if you have a very soft mattress but the stretching will work anyway!

• If you have any hip or neck pain, please consult with your doctor and Yoga teacher whether you can do asana.
• This asana is mostly not recommended for those suffering from sciatica pain, slip disc issues and spondylitis problems.