Ananda Madirasana, also known as the happy intoxication pose or blissful drunken pose, is a seated pose or asana that is practiced in yoga. It is a meditative pose that is believed to bring a sense of joy and inner bliss to the practitioner.
Overview
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| English Name | Intoxicating Bliss Pose |
| Sanskrit Name | Ananda Madirasana |
| Meaning | The term is composed of two words – “ananda” which means bliss or happiness, and “madira” which means nectar or sweet drink. Therefore, Ananda Madirasana is often translated as “the blissful drunken pose” or “the happy intoxication pose”. |
| Base Position | Sitting on the heels |
| Duration | 5-10 minutes |
| Body Part | Knees, ankles, thighs, abdomen |
| Category | Vajrasana Group of Asanas |
| Benefits | Reduces stress, promotes happiness. Ananda Madirasana is a great pose for improving posture, and stretching the thighs and hips. |
How to do Ananda Madirasana (Intoxicating Bliss Pose In Yoga)
- Sit in vajrasana.
- Place the palms on top of the heels so that the fingers are pointing towards each other. If this is uncomfortable, place the palms just above the heels.
- Keep the head and spine erect, close the eyes and relax the whole body.
- Fix the attention at bhrumadhya, the eyebrow centre.
Breathing pattern while doing Ananda Madirasana: Slow and deep. Imagine that the breath is moving in and out of the eyebrow centre. Inhale from the eyebrow centre to ajna chakra and exhale from ajna to the eyebrow centre.
Benefits of doing Ananda Madirasana (Intoxicating Bliss Pose)
- Reduces stress and anxiety: Ananda Madirasana is a calming pose that helps to reduce stress and anxiety. It promotes relaxation and helps to quiet the mind, which can be beneficial for those who suffer from stress or anxiety.
- Promotes happiness and inner bliss: The pose is believed to stimulate the pineal gland, which is associated with feelings of happiness and bliss. Practicing Ananda Madirasana can help to cultivate a sense of inner joy and contentment.
- Improves focus and concentration: The practice of Ananda Madirasana involves focusing on the breath and clearing the mind. This can help to improve focus and concentration, which can be beneficial for those who struggle with distractions or lack of focus.
- Stretches the hips and legs: Sitting cross-legged in Ananda Madirasana helps to stretch the hips and legs, which can be beneficial for those who sit for long periods of time.
- Improves posture: Practicing Ananda Madirasana can help to improve posture by strengthening the back muscles and aligning the spine.