(JP 81 -83)
Slokha:
Translation: Place both heels below the arms, knees and thighs should remain lifted up, take both the hands towards sky and orma a lotus with the help of fingers. At the root of the palm a hole be formed where the sadhaka should bring his gaze. Also, contract the abdomen which means practice Uddiyana.
Benefits:
- Opens the hips, groin, thighs and knees
- Open the chest and increases lung & capacity
- Stretches toes & strengthens the toes, back, abdominals and diaphragm
- Engages abdominals with Uddiyana bandha
- Increases blood flow to stomach and brain
- Increases digestive fire which aids digestion, assimilation, elimination and purifies the digestive tract of toxins
- Stimulates the pancreas , beneficial for diabetes
- Strengthens the immune system
- Balances the mind, soothes irritation, clears depression and anger
- Devoted to the Sun deity – the provider of energy and intellect
- Stimulates the apana vayu to rise and unite with the samana vayu and the prana vayu ( see diagram )
Contraindication – Uddiyana bandha should be avoided with any heart problems, stomach ulcers, hernia, glaucoma, high blood pressure and during menstruation