how to become a yoga therapistBy Amruta Kulkarni

Hatha Yoga teacher training programs have many components and matching asanas is one of them.  Matching asanas have a symbiotic relationship. Both have benefits and the asanas go well together. Although this is a time when more people are avoiding marriages, we might say: Some asanas are married to each other. Below are two compatible asanas.

Camel – Ustrasana

Kneel on the floor, knees and ankles together. Toes are spread and pressing into the floor. Bend back to grasp the ankles; thumbs are on the inside of the ankle, fingers on the outside. Throw the head back while pushing the pelvis forward and lifting the chest up toward the ceiling, to create a strong arch of the spine. Feel your heart open. Maintain this pose for at least 10 to 20 seconds, breathing. Move slowly out of the pose; you will “feel it.” This is a vigorous Yoga pose that will test your limits of strength and flexibility.

Progress in this Yoga asana feels amazing on a physical and mental level, building confidence, strength and flexibility at the same time. The stretch is deep and invigorating. Camel stretches the spine and brings it fresh blood and stretches the entire front of the body. Camel stimulates circulation throughout the body and can correct rounded shoulders and a hump at the base of the neck. This pose will do wonders for students forced to carry heavy backpacks every day.

Child’s Pose – Balasana

Child’s pose is a nice follow-up to Camel pose and can be used as a recovery pose for any vigorous, challenging posture. Child’s pose can be performed in thunderbolt posture with knees together and feet touching or with knees spread wide past the edges of your mat, feet touching.

From thunderbolt posture, hang arms limply at your sides, backs of the fingers touching the floor beside the feet Inhale. Exhale, lower the forehead to the floor and round the back. Hold at least six to 10 seconds, but longer if you feel like it.

From knees spread position, inhale. Exhale, bring the chest down to the floor between the things, forehead touching the floor. Arms are reaching out in front of you, palms down. With each exhalation, release down to the floor. Breathe and hold for as long as you like, but at least six to 10 seconds. This pose limbers the spine, shoulders, legs and hips and stretches the neck, back muscles, and arms. This Yoga posture is calming and is useful in dispelling nervousness and anxiety and as a counter-pose to more vigorous postures.

© Copyright 2010 – Amruta Kulkarni / Aura Publications

Amruta Kulkarni is a certified Yoga teacher and an exclusive author for Aura Wellness Center.

See our testimonials to find out what our graduates have to say about our selection of affordable distance learning yoga instructor training courses.

If you are a teacher, yoga school manager, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles). Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste!

Share This Article