What is Utkatasana (Chair Pose)? Utkatasana, commonly known as Chair Pose, is a foundational standing posture in yoga. The name is derived from the Sanskrit words “utkata”, meaning intense or powerful, and “asana”, meaning posture. Chair Pose is a deep-standing yoga squat that focuses on strengthening the link between your pelvic muscles and brain. In…
What is Tittibhasana? Tittibhasana, commonly known as the Firefly Pose, is a challenging arm balance pose in yoga that combines strength, flexibility, and balance. Derived from the Sanskrit words “tittibha”, meaning “firefly,” and “asana”, meaning “pose,” this posture mimics the slender, elongated body of a firefly. In addition to testing one’s arm and core strength,…
What is Garudasana (Eagle Pose)? Garudasana, also known as Eagle Pose, is a yoga pose that involves twisting the arms and legs. This standing stance requires you to balance on one leg at a time. Eagles are known for their strength and determination. Similarly, balancing your entire body on one leg needs tremendous core strength…
What is Adho Mukha Svanasana? Adho Mukha Svanasana is a yoga pose that is practiced by both beginners and advanced practitioners. Three Sanskrit words—”Adho,” which means down, and “mukha,” which means face—are the source of its name.”Asana” refers to the pose, while “svana” refers to the dog. It is a position that reverses gravity. The…
What is Ardha Matsyendrasana? The Sanskrit phrase Ardha Matsyendrasana means “Half Lord of the Fishes Pose.” “Indra” means “king” or “lord,” “Matsya” means “fish,” and “Ardha” means “half.” Named for the yogic teacher Matsyendra, this stance is renowned for its deep physical and spiritual advantages. A deep, seated twist, Ardha Matsyendrasana strengthens the spine, promotes…
What Is Dhanurasana (Bow Pose)? Dhanurasana, commonly known as Bow Pose, is a foundational backbend in yoga. Derived from the Sanskrit words “dhanu” meaning bow and “asana” meaning posture, this pose embodies the shape of a drawn bow, with the torso and legs forming the curved frame and the arms acting as the string. One…
What is a Paschimottanasana? Paschimottanasana, often known as the seated front bend stance, is a posture that emphasizes forward folding. The three terms “Paschim,” which means “west” or “back of the body,” “Uttana,” which means “extreme stretch,” and “Asana,” which means posture,” are the origin of the Sanskrit name. This asana consists of sitting with…
What is Kapotasana? Kapotasana, also known as Pigeon practice, is a yoga practice that targets the thighs and hips. This position, intermediate to advanced in difficulty, requires strength and flexibility. This is the most beneficial asana, which strengthens the back and opens up the midsection (chest). While strengthening the back and lengthening the thighs and…
The Headstand Pose, known as Sirsasana in Sanskrit, is often referred to as the “King of Asanas” due to its numerous benefits and transformative effects on the body and mind. It is an advanced inversion posture in yoga that requires strength, balance, and focus. By reversing the usual effects of gravity, Sirsasana invigorates the circulatory…
What is Boat Pose (Navasana)? Boat Pose, or Navasana (from the Sanskrit words nava meaning “boat” and asana meaning “pose”), is a foundational yoga posture that strengthens the core, improves balance, and enhances focus. This pose is often practiced as part of a yoga sequence to develop abdominal strength, spinal stability, and overall endurance. A lot…
