Saithalyasana (animal relaxation pose) is a part of the Forward bending yoga poses mentioned in the book “Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha” by Swami Satyananda Saraswati that focuses on introversion and counteracting the extroversion and dynamic opening up of bending backwards. It is associated with chest compression and exhalation, which induces relaxation.
How to do Saithalyasana – Animal Relaxation Pose In Yoga
- Sit on the floor with the legs outstretched.
- Carefully bend the right knee and place the sole of the foot against the inside of the left thigh.
- Bend the left knee and place the left heel to the outside of the left buttock.
- Turn the torso to the right and rest the hands on the right knee.
- Raise the arms above the head, keeping them straight and shoulder width apart.
- Bend forward over the right knee, bringing the forehead to the floor. Relax in the position.
- To return to the starting position, raise the arms and trunk in one straight line, then lower the hands to the right knee.
- Practice 5 times on the right, then 5 times on the left side.
Breathing pattern while doing Saithalyasana – Animal Relaxation Pose In Yoga
- Inhale while raising the arms.
- Exhale while bending forward.
- Breathe normally in the final position.
- Inhale while returning to the upright position.
- Exhale while lowering the arms.
Sequence of Saithalyasana – Animal Relaxation Pose In Yoga
- This is a preparatory practice for meditation poses and may precede any backward bending asana such as bhujangasana, saral dhanurasana or dhanurasana which particularly stretch the neck and pelvic region in the opposite direction.
Benefits of doing Saithalyasana – Animal Relaxation Pose In Yoga
- This asana stretches the back, pelvic region, insides of the thighs and opens up the hip joints.
- It balances the nervous system.
- It also massages the abdominal organs by gently compressing each side alternately against the thighs.
Precautions while doing Saithalyasana – Animal Relaxation Pose In Yoga
- People who have lower back conditions should only bend forward as far as is comfortable.
Forward Bending Yoga Poses Series
Saithalyasana – Animal Relaxation Pose In Yoga is a part of the forward bending yoga poses series. Forward bending is a passive process in which gravity is utilized to stretch the muscle groups being focused upon. While backward bends move the body away from the confines of gravity, forward bending asanas use gravity to help release tension and pain. This is a part of the intermediate yoga poses. If you are a beginner you should explore Pawanmuktasana series, relaxation postures in yoga, meditation postures in yoga, vajrasana group of asanas, standing asanas, Surya Namaskara (Sun salutation), and Chandra Namaskara (moon salutation)The following Yoga Poses / Yoga asanas are a part of the forward bending yoga poses series.
- Saithalyasana – Animal Relaxation Pose In Yoga
- Paschimottanasana – Back Stretching Pose In Yoga
- Gatyatmak Paschimottanasana – Dynamic Back Stretch Pose In Yoga
- Pada Prasar Paschimottanasana – Legs Spread Back Stretch Pose In Yoga
- Janu Sirshasana – Head To Knee Pose In Yoga
- Ardha Padma Paschimottanasana – Half Lotus Back Stretching Pose In Yoga
- Hasta Padangushthasana – Finger To Toe Stretch In Yoga
- Meru Akarshanasana – Spinal Bending Pose In Yoga
- Padahastasana – Hand To Foot Pose In Yoga
- Sirsha Angustha Yogasana – Head To Toe Pose In Yoga
- Utthita Janu Sirshasana – Standing Head Between Knees Pose In Yoga
- Eka Padottanasana – One Leg Raised To Head Pose In Yoga
We hope that through this article featuring forward bending yoga poses, you were able to understand how to do the Saithalyasana – Animal Relaxation Pose In Yoga easily, its benefits, and precautions.
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