Primary Categories of Asanas (Yoga Postures)
Standing poses. Correct the method of standing, balance, and carriage. Tone, shape, and strengthen the leg and arm muscles. Decrease stiffness in the legs, hips, and shoulders. Relieve back and shoulder aches. The feet become supple, the ankles are strengthened, and the chest expands fully. Invigorate the abdominal organs, increase peristaltic activity, and aid elimination. Increase the blood supply to the spine. Create lightness of the body and agility of the mind. Mastery of the standing poses prepares the student for all the other categories of poses.
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| Forward bends. Tone the liver, kidneys, intestines, and spleen. Aid digestion. Benefit the prostate gland. Blood is made to flow in the pelvis and benefits the reproductive organs. The abdominal organs are kept healthy. Tone the spine and abdominal organs. Relieve congestion in the pelvic organs, such as the prostate and gonads in men, the uterus and ovaries in women. Improve blood flow to the pituitary, pineal, thyroid, and parathyroid. Tone the adrenal glands and pancreas. Soothe the nerves and mind. Reduce stress and strain. Loosen joints of upper and lower extremities. Narrow the waist. Remove mental and physical fatigue. |
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| Backward bends. Tone the spine, keep the body alert and supple. The back feels strong and full of life. Strengthen the arms and wrists and have a soothing effect on the head. Create vitality, energy, and lightness. The pelvic region is opened and the reproductive organs are kept healthy. The diaphragm is opened and the heart is gently massaged to help to strengthen it. The abdominal muscles and chest lengthen and expand fully. |
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Inversions. Facilitate healthy blood flow through the brain cells and the pituitary and pineal glands of the brain. Improve sleep, memory, and vitality when practiced regularly and correctly. Relieve constipation. Develop the body, give peace of mind, and lift the spirit. The endocrine and lymphatic systems are kept healthy. Healthy blood is allowed to circulate around the neck and chest. Bring back lost vitality.
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Seated postures. Benefit reproductive organs and urinary system. Relieve menstrual irregularities, pain in knee and hip joints, stiffness of ankles and feet. Quiet the mind and reduces anxiety, tension, and mental stress.
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Twistings. Increase lateral movement of the spine. Supply blood to the region of the disks. Relieve neck and shoulder tension and stiffness. Reduce fluid in the sinus passages and ear canal. Aches in the neck, shoulder, and back are relieved.
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