How to practice Dhyan mudra

The mudras or the yogic hand gestures can help you to focus the mind and refine your awareness before and during meditation.  The Dhyan mudra is one such gesture which helps in conditioning the mind for meditation.  Keeping the hands stable in this mudra for  some time generates a state of peace of mind.  Regular practice of this mudra for   increased duration helps in releasing the tensions, stresses.  Relaxation of the mind is very much essential for meditation. The dhyan mudra serves this preconditioning purpose.  So the people who are engaged in spiritual practice of meditation are often seen in the dhyan mudra.

  

How to practice Dhyan Mudra

The palms are kept open and tips of the thumb and index fingers of both the hands are joined together forming a circle in between them.  Remaining three fingers are kept together and relaxed.  This position of hands is called as dhyan mudra.  

In sitting position, wrists of the hands in the dhyan mudra posture are kept on the respective knees and palms facing upwards.

Benefits of dhyan mudra

The dhyana mudra induces relaxation in the entire body and freshens every organ and limb in our body.  One feels infused with vibrant energy and enthusiasm after sitting in the dhyana mudra even for fifteen minutes.  This mudra should be practiced while sitting preferably in sukhasana ( i.e. sitting with erect spinal cord with legs rolled around).

How to pracice Makarasana - the Crocodile pose

The Makarasana posture is also called as the Crocodile pose because this asana resembles a crocodile resting in the ocean. The crocodile keeps its neck and face above the water.  The same shape of a crocodile is seen in this asana. The makarasana is a wonderful posture for relaxation.  

The makarasana provides relaxation of the entire nervous system, body and mind.  This asana gives extra relaxation to the back region.  The asana removes the tensions and relaxes the muscles which lead to decrease in the demand for blood and oxygen.
It also reduces blood pressure.

Let us now see how to practice makarasana which is very useful for taking rest between asanas. Here is a step by step procedure to practice makarasana...

Step by step procedure for makarasana

• Lie down on your stomach, placing the legs with a comfortable distance apart and pointing the toes outwards.  See the picture below.

                 

• Now fold the arms in front of the body by resting the hands on the upper arms.  Position the elbows and lower arms so that the chest does not touch the floor.

• Keep your eyes closed and pay attention to the breath and its effects around the abdominal area.
• While inhaling, feel the abdominal muscles gently press against the floor.  While exhaling feel the abdominal pressure decrease.  See the picture below.  

                                                                                                         

The benefits of Makarasana

The makarasana is a very good asana to release the strain caused by other asanas. The makarasana strengthens and stretches the muscles of the back, legs, buttocks and the back of the arms and legs.  Here is a list of benefits of makarasana.

• The makarasana helps in relaxing the entire body.
• Completely relaxes the muscles and mind
• The problems of high blood pressure  are relieved
• The makarasana is beneficial for treatment of mental disorders
• Heart diseases can be cured if you practice makarasana properly 

So the makarasana is very useful for relaxing the body. See the video below which helps you to know how to practice makarasana...

How to practice Tadagasana - the Pond Pose

The Tadagasana also called as the pond pose is practiced to get rid of fatigue, strain, exertion etc.. This is one of the basic and easy asana which can be practiced by any one.  Here is the step by step method to practice Tadagasana.

Step by step practice of Tadagasana

• Take supine position ( sleeping position )
• Now bend knees, get heels close to hips.
• Keep the legs 1 to 1.5 foot apart.
• Cross arms around the head.
• Relax all your body, muscles and continue normal breathing while releasing slowly move legs to original position and hands to normal position

Benefits of Tadagasana

• Reduces stress and exertion
• Relaxes muscles and mind