Getting To Know Vajrasana
Vajrasana emerges from the union of two Sanskrit words: Vajra, which symbolizes a weapon named Thunderbolt, and Asana, which represents a posture or a seat.
It is a kneeling yoga pose, often referred to as the Diamond Pose or the Thunderbolt Pose. It is one of the most effective and well-known meditative poses and is often used as a transitional pose between the asanas.
All you have to do is get seated on your heels with calves curled under the thighs with the big toes touching together. You’ll notice that this posture is used for praying across various religious traditions, which speaks a lot about the serenity it will bring to your mind.
One of the most impressive aspects of this yoga posture is that, unlike most asanas, it doesn’t need fasting but instead can be performed shortly after a meal and is actually more effective that way.
Before you anticipate learning the Vajrasana steps, let us know how it is good for you. Here is a list of some health benefits of Vajrasana that will make you eager to do this Thunderbolt pose to gain its thundering benefits fast.
The Thundering Benefits Of Vajrasana
Improves blood circulation: As you settle into this asana, your pelvic region gets stimulated. Breathing rhythmically in this pose facilitates blood circulation throughout the body, which manages blood pressure levels and lowers hypertension, keeping your heart healthy and away from harmful diseases.
Betters digestion: Wondering why Vajrasana pose is done post-meal when other asanas require you to stay on an empty stomach? It is because sitting in this pose gently massages your digestive organs, including the stomach, intestines, and pancreas, aiding in effective food breakdown and better absorption of nutrients. This, in turn, improves bowel movements, aids digestion, and relieves constipation. It also helps in getting rid of flatulence (gas) and acidity.
Helps in weight loss: Improved blood circulation and better digestion ensure that our food breaks down effectively and the nutrients obtained from our food get properly absorbed in our body as we sit in this pose right after our meal. It ensures no excess fat is accumulated in our body, especially in the belly region, thus assisting weight loss and, in many instances, even managing obesity.
Improves posture: In Yoga, it is emphasized to keep your head, heart, and center in line while doing any yoga pose to promote balance and alignment of the spine. Vajrasana is no exception, as it focuses on having a straight back at all times throughout the pose. Maintaining this posture for long durations strengthens your hips and leg muscles, improves spine flexibility, and ensures a healthy posture even off the mat.
Improves focus and concentration power: This asana practice necessitates concentrated, deep breathing, allowing you to give your entire attention to your breath. It challenges your brain to focus on just one thing without getting distracted, enhancing the brain’s concentration power.
Keeps you calm and stress-free: The rhythmic breathing pattern in this asana is ideal for meditating. It relaxes the whole body and soothes tensed-up muscles, releasing any tension or anxiety you might be holding by calming the nerves. This also helps improve sleep and memory retention.
Can help with arthritis: When you stretch your legs and support your upper body, it makes your ankles and joints more flexible. This helps relax the bones and muscles that regularly bear the body’s weight. Therefore, by consistently doing this asana, you can bring about a beneficial change whether you have arthritis, are in the early stages of it, or are genetically susceptible to it.
Relieves Low Back Pain: Sitting in this asana for a long time strengthens your lower back muscles, alleviates occasional pain and discomfort in the lower back, and even proves beneficial in the pain caused by sciatica.
Reduce Menstrual Cramps: Vajrasana pose improves blood flow to the pelvis, strengthening the pelvic floor muscles, which helps with problems related to urinary incontinence. Sitting in this pose relaxes the waist and hip region, alleviating pain accompanied by menstruation.
Produces energy: Controlled blood circulation works together to improve digestion and aid nutrient absorption. By doing so, the body’s organs strengthen their ability to make energy and open up the channels necessary for this energy to move more effectively and quickly.
The incredible health benefits of Vajrasana will never let you skip doing this Vajrasana pose after every meal of yours.
Now that you know about the various ways Vajrasana pose can benefit your overall well-being, are you ready to perform the Vajrasana steps and get into this nourishing posture? Here we go.
Vajrasana Steps
These simple and well-defined Vajrasana steps will help you get into this posture with ease:
- Begin by kneeling on your Yoga mat. Consider adding a cushion for extra support and comfort if desired.
- Meet your big toes to touch.
- Gently lean back on your legs, lifting the weight off your knees.
- Rest your buttocks on your heels and your thighs on your calves.
- Rest your hands on your thighs and rock your pelvis back and forth until you get comfortable.
- Straighten your spine and reach your gaze forward, head held upright, chin parallel to the floor.
- Start breathing slowly, taking long inhales and exhales.
- You can close your eyes or soften your gaze. Try to concentrate on a single thing. It could be your breath or any distant object.
- Maintain this position for at least 5-10 minutes. You can gradually add more time to your practice as you progress.
Precautions to consider before you sit with Vajrasana
Although there are several benefits of Vajrasana, there are some key factors to consider before you perform this pose:
- People suffering from knee injuries or any other problem of the foot, calves, hamstrings, ankle, or knee must avoid doing Vajrasana.
- People suffering from intestinal problems or hernias should avoid practicing this asana.
- The Vajrasana pose is safe for pregnant women as long as they leave plenty of space between their knees to prevent pressure on the abdomen.
- Those with severe arthritis pain or back problems like slipped disks should avoid practicing this pose.
Suggestion: To make Vajrasana pose more comfortable, consider using a blanket or a towel to relieve sitting discomfort.
Conclusion
This yogic exercise is sure to suit everyone. It is the easiest yoga asana equipped with several benefits, making it one of the best ways to create Yoga as a daily habit. So, without further thinking, plan out your time, spread your yoga mat, and get ready to experience the calming experience and thundering health benefits of this Thunderbolt pose.
Want to dive deeper into the realm of Yoga and reap the benefits of a range of other asanas? Explore our Yoga Teacher Training In Kerala and embark on a mindful journey.
