February 19th, 2009
Your eyes are a reflection of your soul and give a glimpse of your inner world by looking into them. So having clean eyesight is essential. Yoga has a method called trataka designed by ancient sages for better eyesight. It is a shuddhikriya or a purification process that makes the eyesight clean and quiets the mind silent, leading it to concentrate better.
Sit with your back erect. Stare at an object without winking till tears start emanating from the eyes. The object can be the flame of an oil lamp, or an image or the letter ‘AUM”. It should be kept in the line of sight about 4-6 feet away from your eyes. It is possible to perform this kriya without placing any object in your front. You can simply stare at the wall in front of you, without blinking. Focus your gaze at a specific point on the wall.
Before beginning your exercise, rotate the eye without moving the head. Move the eyeballs up and down, sideways and from end to end diagonally. First you can make this movement with eyes open and then repeat it with the eyes closed. It will provide the necessary exercise to the eye muscles. Now perform the trataka. Trataka clears the eyesight, improves the health of the eye and quiets the mind. As you practice trataka, after some time you will find your mind becomes silent without any effort on your part. Trataka is an excellent method of beginning meditation as it silences the mind, thus enabling you to reach the meditative state faster. This will allow you to enjoy the benefits of meditation. Your eye muscles become stronger. This kriya can be done safely every day.
Tags: Eyesight, Trataka
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February 19th, 2009
Yogic asanas get their names from various objects in nature like animals, plants etc. Matsyasana gets its name from fish, since it resembles a fish. Hence it is also called as fish pose. It is popularly believed to cure various diseases. The starting point for this asana is padmasana which is tough for beginner. To simplify it, you can perform it by stretching the legs and then lying on the back. Bend the knees and position the hands next to you. It is one of the back bend poses if done correctly, is highly beneficial and useful.
The beginners can support their necks to prevent any undue strain. Place a thick blanket for support. Performing this asana on a blanket will protect your back. You can include various variations to make it challenging, depending on the person doing it. Remain in this pose for 15-30 seconds to get the maximum benefit.
The intense pull of the asana leads to flexing your hips flexors and muscles between the ribs for better functionality. It helps to stretch nearly all pars of the body. With increased stretch, the muscles, the abdominal organs along with the neck and throat are fuelled. It is the only asana that bends the spine and the neck backwards.
Pressure and stretch on the neck is beneficial to the thyroid glands, the pineal and adrenal glands. The nervous system, kidneys, stomach, intestines and the pelvic organs become stronger and toned with this asana. Asthma patients see an improvement in their health. Your posture becomes better. This asana has been used to treat constipation, slight headache, fatigue and menstrual pain.
Tags: Matsyasana, Matsyasana Benefits
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