Vajrasana, Diamond Pose, Thunderbolt Pose

(November 9, 2010)

whether vajrasana is helpful in reducing stress

Vajrasana (Diamond Pose) is one of the easiest yoga postures to perform, and it can be done by anyone without adding stress to the other parts of the body. It is possible for the practitioner to remain in this posture for long periods of time. The word ‘vajrasana’ comes from two Sanskrit words. The word ‘vajra’ means ‘diamond’ and ‘asana’ means ‘pose’.
To perform the Vajrasana (Diamond Pose), you should sit on the ground with your legs stretched out and kept together. Both your palms should be resting on your right leg so that they bear the weight of your body. Then let your knees slowly fold back so that you are sitting on them with your back straight. Let your breathing be normal and bring the palms of your hands to the respective knees. You should keep your focus on the ajna chakra, which is located between the eyebrows. Then come back to the starting position by placing your arms at the sides of your body. You should avoid performing any asanas on bare ground and use instead a yoga mat or blanket.
The Vajrasana or Diamond Pose yoga posture helps relax and strengthen the feet, ankles, and knee cap. Unlike other asanas that should be performed after a gap of at least three hours after eating, this is one asana you can perform immediately after eating. It is also effective in relieving sexual and urinary disorders and helps with weight loss. If you have weak knees or other knee problems, you should perform the Vajrasana or Diamond Pose only after consulting a doctor.
The Reclining Diamond Pose or Supta Vajrasana is an excellent pose to stretch the upper body and massage the organs of the abdomen to reduce constipation. It is beneficial in the treatment of conditions like rheumatism in the legs, varicose veins, gout, and sciatica. It also increases flexibility and strength of the ankle, knee joints, and the lower spine. You could also perform Balasana (Child Pose) after the Diamond Pose. You can easily come into the Balasana from the Diamond Pose by bending your upper body forward from the waist and keeping your arms at your sides with your palms facing upwards. You could also practice Padmasana after Diamond Pose to enhance the benefits and bring about relaxation. With regular practice of the yoga postures and maintaining a yogic diet you should be able to develop a healthy mind and body.

Submitted by A on November 9, 2010 at 06:15

Vajrasana is also called as the diamond pose or the thunderbolt pose where the word Vajra stands for thunderbolt or the diamond and asana means posture or pose. It is one of the basic poses and is used while practicing pranayama or breathing exercises and sometimes while practicing Dhyana or meditation. It is also practiced in between asanas when you feel tired and want to relax for a while. This asana or pose can be safely practiced by everyone except for those who have weak knees or some knee problem. There is another form of Vajrasana that is called as the Supta Vajrasana where Supta means lying down. There are several benefits of Vajrasana and other asanas connected to it: It is great for your digestive system and helps to strengthen it and treat problems related to it. It also gets rid of excess wind or gas in your belly and promotes good digestion. It is beneficial to practice this asana after having your meals as it aids digestion. This asana or pose is also great to add strength to your calf and thigh muscles.

You can also perform several other asanas or poses from Vajrasana like the Bhadrasana or the Gracious pose, Danda Mayurasana or the Peacock pose, Shashankasana or the Moon pose, Moola Bandhasana or the root lock, Uttana Mandukasana or the Frog pose, Virasana or the hero pose, Ustrasana or the Camel pose, and the Supta Vajrasana or the Supine Diamond pose.

You can also use this pose while practicing Dhyana or meditation that will help you to focus and improve your concentration. You can also perform pranayama or breathing techniques with this asana or pose. You can start with the deep breathing and then move on to other pranayama or breathing techniques. You can use music that is specially made for meditation to enhance your mood. This will help you to de-stress totally as you concentrate on your breathing and harmonize it.

It also helps to keep your spine erect besides relieving sciatica and strengthening the leg muscles. It also helps you to energize and strengthening the anal sphincter, reproductive organs and perineal muscles. It helps women to strengthen the uterus.

It is very beneficial during the practice of Dhyana or meditation as it enhances will power and concentration of mind, directs the flow of energy to your reproductive organs and helps you to relax your body.

Submitted by G M on January 23, 2009 at 02:58

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