Combining kriyas with classic hatha asana (posture) and pranayama (breath)
This asana here is Ardha Baddha Padmottanasana (Half Bound Lotus Standing Forward Bend) that stretches the muscles in the lower back, hip, hamstrings, and shoulders. It is derived from the Sanskrit words Ardha=half, Baddha=bound, Padma=lotus, Uttana=intense stretch, and asana=pose. This is an intense forward bend pose that is in the combination of Ardha Padmasana and Uttanasana. To build up to it, start to practice half lotus and standing forward bends and then begin to combine them, starting by wrapping the arm around the body before progressing to reaching for the foot. A great way to develop balance, stability and flexibility. It activates the solar plexus chakra, and stimulates the ajna and crown chakras due to the inversion.
I practiced it with ujjayi pranayama which has a deeply calming effect on the nervous system. Keep in mind that this practice is not for all constitutions and it is important to use a mix of breath work to warm up, cool down and always maintain balance and harmony within the system. Balancing postures like tree pose and eagle pose as well as hip opening and stretching through the wide legged forward bend and warm ups with ankle and knee rotations are also very useful before commencing.
Remember to practice this on an empty stomach and ideally earlier in the morning. It is balancing to pitta Dosha (pachaka for digestion and ranjaka for liver), Samana vayu and kledaka Kapha linked to digestion and udana Vata and avalambaka Kapha linked to respiratory function. It stimulates the liver and spleen, massages the abdomen.
After completing the asana, practice staff pose, warrior 1 warrior 2
Postures, locks and breathwork can be so beneficial in an everyday wellness habit. If you are interested in trying or have any questions, please get in touch! Link is below.
