Vatayanasana - Horse Pose

The Vatayanasana also called as the Horse Pose is an intermediate level pose and so should not be practiced by beginners in Yoga.  The pose looks like the face of the horse and so its name is Vatayanasana.  'Vatayana' means a 'horse'.  This asana resembles the face of the horse.  Hence it is termed as Vatayanasana.

The Vatayanasana provides strength in ankle region and is an excellent therapy for the neck, spine, waist, knees, calves.  Now let us see how we can practice Vatayanasana.

How to practice Vatayanasana

• First sit on the ground.  Now place the right foot at the root of left thing in half Padmasana position.
• Now exhale slowly and raise the trunk from the ground and place the top of the right knee on the floor.  Keep the left foot near the right knee and keep the left thing parallel to the ground.
• Stretch forward and raise the hands slowly.  Bend the elbows and raise the arms near the chest (refer Fig. 19.0). Place the back of the upper right arm near the elbows.
• Hold in this position for about 20 second with normal breathing.
• Now slowly release the arms first, and then sit on the floor and relax. 6.  Repeal this process on the other side also.  Note:  In the initial stage it will be very difficult to maintain balance as well as twisting the hands.  But with regular practice one can attain perfection and  balance.

Benefits of Vatayanasana

Some of the benefits of the Vatayanasana are listed below.

• HIp joints receive proper blood circulation
• Leg pains and joint pains will be cured
• Provides flexibility to hands and fingers.
• Small deformity in the hips and thighs are corrected
• The leg muscles and knee joints are strengthened
• Reduces hyper activity of kidneys

Here is a video showing how to practice Vatayanasana