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The word Padma in Sanskrit means lotus. Thus, Padmasana is also known as the Lotus Pose. It is one of the four asanas meant of meditation. Amongst the four, it is the best to practice meditation. It is the famous pose in which Lord Buddha sat in medication and attained Self Realization.
How to do The Lotus Pose?
Start with simple stretching exercises before you do Padmasana. Once you have warmed up, you can go about doing this asana. While you do Padmasana, always sit on a mat or a thick piece of cloth.
* Be seated on the mat, and stretch the legs forward and join them together. Remain in this position and balance yourself properly, just for 2-3 seconds.
* Fold the right leg in a disciplined manner and place the heel of the right foot on the left side of the navel.
* Now, fold the left leg and keep the left heel on the right side of the navel.
* Let both the heels come close to each other. You always need to keep the neck and the spine erect.
* Sit in Gyana Mudra, and gently close your eyes. Now, you are in the state of perfect Padmasana.
Benefits of Padmasana
The Lotus Pose benefits the human body and mind manifold. Mainly, it soothes the brain and helps the process of positive thinking. Its main beneficial actions take place on the spine, pelvis, bladder and abdomen. Ankles and knees also exercised during this pose and so it is beneficial for those suffering from joint pain. Women can greatly benefit from this pose as it provides relief from menstrual discomfort.
Regular practice of the asana is also a good antidote to sciatica pain. This asana is safe to practice in late pregnancy and is supposed to ease the pain of childbirth. In pure spiritual terms, Padmasana destroys the root cause of all the diseases and awakens the Kundalini. This asana has proven medical benefits.
By the regular practice of this asana you develop the discipline of sitting and standing erect. You tend to become physically fit. There is better blood circulation in the brain which helps in the process of meditation. Circulatory and nervous systems are strengthened by the practice of Padmasana.
A Word of Caution!
Those with ankle and knee injuries should avoid doing Padmasana. Even though it looks like an easy asana to perform, for the beginners, this pose is difficult to attain. It is advisable to take the help of an experienced yoga teacher to gain perfection in this asana.
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