The Asian Age

Phyzzicali­ty Yoga to cleanse

- MANEK S. KOHLI

WHEN THE WEATHER GETS SMOGGY, IT TAKES A TOLL ON YOUR HEART AND LUNGS. TO COUNTER THAT, GIVE THESE RELIABLE A GO.

Festivals are all fine and dandy, but what about the high levels of pollution that hit Indian metropolis­es around this time? Almost every night presents an occasion to celebrate, but you might as well be walking into a gas chamber. In these months, it becomes all the more important to take care of your lungs and heart. And, what better than to place your trust in these five incredible yoga asanas (postures) that are meant to keep you healthy when the environmen­t around you particular­ly so.

Acharya Bhaskar Atwal dons plenty of hats — yoga practition­er, acupressur­e consultant, hypnothera­pist, reiki healer and vedic mantra healer — and he absolutely swears by these asanas. He comments, “Overall, these are good for the spinal cord, lungs, and they in improving blood flow to the brain. Anything that strengthen­s the nervous system will help remedy asthma, allergies, high blood pressure, and even anxiety, depression and constipati­on." isn’t BENEFITS: This asana is incredibly helpful for those suffering from a slip disc, and pain in the knees, calf muscles, and thighs. The intestines, spine, and the digestive system are also helped considerab­ly by this posture.

TECHNIQUE: Lie down on your back and spread your arms perpendicu­lar BENEFITS: Setubandha­sana happens to have a host of benefits. Those who have had a spine operation should do it, while others can simply use it to strengthen their spinal cord. If you are suffering from injuries, allergies or bronchitis, this is the asana for you. It is also good for women during pregnancy, as it increases chances of a normal delivery.

MARKATASAN­A (MONKEY POSE)

SETUBANDHA­SANA (BRIDGE POSE)

to your body. Then, while inhaling, fold your right leg, turn it to the left, and turn your neck to the right. Exhale and assume the starting position, before repeating the stance on the opposite side.

WHEN TO AVOID: Unless you have some major body injury, this posture is safe for all. TECHNIQUE: Lie flat on your back, then bend your knees and place your feet on the floor (wide apart). Inhale and lift your back off the floor, and touch your chin to your chest. Use your hands to lift your torso even higher. Remain this way for at least a minute and then relax.

WHEN TO AVOID: problems.

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