Yoga came into existence thousands of years ago with the intent to make people live a life of wellness while walking on the path of enlightenment. The practice of yoga starts with physical training and eventually turns into a spiritual experience, making you unite with the universal conscience.
`Nature plays a significant role, influencing the practice of yoga. You must have observed how most of the asanas are named after an animal or plant, etc. and the former imbibes their feature. Yoga asanas are the foundational base of the whole practice and is needed to be strong.
The asanas again are of various kinds, starting with the sitting poses. The easiest ways to commence the practice of yoga asanas, is with the seated poses which are simple and easy to perform.
The Seated Pose
A seated asana with the legs crossed and the feet placed on top of the opposite thighs. The name comes from Sanskrit, meaning ‘lotus throne’. This asana is traditionally used in meditation, both of which originated in ancient India.
The classical seated yoga pose, Lotus Pose is considered one of the four main seated poses for meditation. To gain deeper benefits, practice an enhanced version of the classical Lotus Pose- Baddha Padmasana or Locked Lotus Pose.
Baddha Padmasana or Locked Lotus Pose
The pose is an extension or enhanced version of the lotus pose and is considered as breathing yoga, and also known as Sanhita Baddha Padmasana – a very good combination of brain and spinal cord. Baddha Padmasana is a Sanskrit word that means Baddha – locked or closed, Padma – lotus flower, and asana – pose or posture.
Also, locked lotus pose is an advanced level of meditation pose that maintains mental and physical stability. The pose carries with it a lot of benefits if practiced correctly.
Top 7 Health Benefits of Baddha Padmasana
- Enhances Spine Agility
The yoga posture is a very good for the brain and spinal cord, hence, benefits the spine related problems. The asana relieves sciatica, soothes back pain, and enhances the stance of the spine. The posture makes a weakened spine stronger, correcting the bad posture. - Increases Mental Stability
The asana increases mental and physical stability in which the mind keeps calm, and you experience mental peace. When you practice the pose, it makes a definite flow of blood towards the brain that calms the mind. The certain flow of pranic currents towards the brain also makes the mind fit for introversion or higher practice of meditation. - Strengthens the Legs
The twist and turns in the pose are beneficial for each body part, and when you get yourself locked in the pose, the pressure on the knees get tied that make your legs stronger and flexible. Not only the legs, it’s also good for the hips and back. - Improve Flexibility
One of the yoga pretzel pose that is highly responsible for improving the overall flexibility of the body, and enhance flexibility results in the prevention of injury from falling. It also soothes the muscles and makes you do the daily chores easily. - Good for Joints
The pose involves and extends the joints of the shoulders, wrists, back, elbows, hips knees, lower legs, and makes them more adaptable. This prevents the occurring of joint problems and eliminates muscle issues. - Relieves Arthritis
Though the asana is beneficial for the joints preventing joint issues, but also helps those who are facing problems like arthritis. The pose relieves the joints and eases the body. But if the condition is worse, it is advised to consult a doctor or Yoga practitioner before practising. - Benefits Stomach
Locked Lotus Pose is extremely useful in stimulating the organs of the stomach. It benefits the digestive system, enhances metabolism, and massages the abdominal organs.
How to Practice Locked Lotus Pose?
Steps:
- Sit on the floor keeping your back straight and body relaxed.
- Now place the right leg on the left thigh, and left leg on the right thigh.
- This forms a classical cross-legged Lotus Mudra.
- Now move your hands backward in the opposite position, forming crossed-arms.
- Now hold the thumb of the left foot with your right hand, and thumb of the right foot with the left hand.
- Place your spinal cord and head in a straight line in the tied Padmasana.
- You can keep your eyes either closed or open while breathing normally.
- Stay in the position for 30 seconds or as long as you can, and then slowly open your legs and come to the start position.
Precautions to take:
- This asana requires a high level of endurance, so it is good to start the practice after mastering the classical yoga pose.
- Pregnant and menstruating women should avoid the practice of the pose.
- If you have a recent knee injury or surgery, stay clear of the practice.
- People with extreme back and shoulder pain should not practice the pose.
- In case of shoulder injury or surgery, sprain in your feet, and severe back issue, refrain from the practice.
Yoga is one of the most popular ways to keep up with your health in today’s world that provides strength, sanity, and solace. Practice the right series to live a life of wellness.
Namaste!!!
