Padadhirasana is a seated pose or asana that is practiced in yoga. It is also known as the Breath Balancing Pose or the Foot Stability Pose. This pose is often used as a preparatory pose for meditation, as it helps to bring stability and balance to the body and mind.
Overview
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| English Name | Breath Balancing Pose |
| Sanskrit Name | Padadhirasana |
| Meaning | The term is composed of two words – “pada” which means foot, and “dhirasana” which means pose or seat. Therefore, Padadhirasana is often translated as “the foot stability pose” or “the foot-directed pose”. |
| Base Position | Sitting on the heels |
| Duration | 5-10 minutes |
| Body Part | Knees, ankles, thighs, abdomen |
| Category | Vajrasana Group of Asanas |
| Benefits | Padadhirasana promotes balance and stability. It’s a great pose to begin pranayama. It helps open nostrils, promotes a sense of calm and helps lower stress. |
How to do Padadhirasana (Breath Balancing Pose)
- Sit in vajrasana.
- Cross the arms in front of the chest, placing the hands under the opposite armpits with the thumbs pointing upward, or, for a stronger effect, make fists of the hands and place them under the armpits.
- Close the eyes and become aware of the breathing process.
Breathing pattern while doing Padadhirasana: Slow, deep and rhythmical. Practise until the flow of the breath in both nostrils becomes equalized.
Benefits of Padadhirasana (Breath Balancing Pose)
- Helps facilitate Pranayama: The pressure under both the armpits helps to open the nostrils to facilitate the practice of pranayama.
- Promote balance: Since the breath flow in the right and left nostrils influences the activities of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems respectively, opening of the two nostrils induces a state of autonomic balance.
- Improves concentration: The practice of Padadhirasana helps to improve concentration and focus. It calms the mind and helps to reduce distractions, which can be beneficial for those who struggle with concentration.
- Lowers stress: This pose is a calming pose that helps to reduce stress and anxiety. It promotes relaxation and helps to quiet the mind.
- Improves breathing: The practice of Padadhirasana helps to improve breathing by encouraging slow, deep breaths. This can be beneficial for those who struggle with shallow breathing or respiratory issues.
- Stretches the legs and hips: Sitting position in Padadhirasana helps to stretch the legs and hips, which can be beneficial for those who sit for long periods of time.
- Promotes stability: This pose promotes stability by grounding the feet and creating a stable foundation for the body.
Practice note
- Padadhirasana may be used as a preparation for pranayama. It is especially useful when one or both nostrils are blocked.
- If only one nostril is blocked, or partially blocked, place the hand of that side underneath the opposite armpit. Maintain the pressure for a minute or two, although changes may sometimes occur within a few seconds.