We all know that the yoga bandwagon has come and gone, stopping along the way to pick up the likes of Madonna and Sting. But the practice of yoga, in its many and varied forms, may be one of the better ways to stay mentally and physically fit during the academic year. It also works wonders on a booze-addled liver, and can magically cleanse bowels clogged with french fries and sloppy joes. Hollywood veteran Woody Harrelson showed hundreds of yoga enthusiasts some of his favourite postures on King’s College Circle yesterday, and we can’t help but want to share his yogic secrets.
Bow posture
Technique:
1. Begin by lying down on the stomach, reach back and grasp the ankles. Inhale.
2. Lifting legs, head and chest, arch the back into a bow. Retain breath, then exhale and lie flat.
3. Repeat three or four times
Benefits:
1. Massages abdominal muscles and organs
2. Good for gastrointestinal disorders, constipation, upset stomach, sluggish liver
3. Reduces abdominal fat
Cobra posture
Technique:
1. Start on your stomach and place your hands on the floor beside your chest.
2. Place your hands, palms down, under your shoulders on the floor. Inhaling, raise the chest and head, arching the back. Stretch the body as completely as possible.
3. Hold your breath, then exhale while slowly lowering to the floor. Repeat two to seven times.
Benefits:
1. Tones ovaries, uterus and liver
2. Strengthens back muscles, abdomen and entire upper body
3. Excellent for slipped discs, back ache, and limbering the spine
Twist posture
Technique:
1. Sit on the floor with both legs extended
2. Cross the right foot over the left knee, place it firmly on the floor, keeping the left hand on the right toes
3. Stretch out the right arm and twist it around the back of your waistline as far as you can. The open palm and the wrist should be resting on the left hipbone.
4. Keep both the head and spine straight, and the entire sole of your right foot on the floor. Inhale deeply.
5. While exhaling, slowly start turning your head, then shoulders and back, to the right. You will find that you are able to twist still a little more to your right. Do not bend your head while doing so. Keep your chin up.
6. Remain in this position, holding your breath for as long as you can, then start inhaling. At the same time, slowly unwind the twist until the head, shoulders and back are in the original position again.
7. Repeat on the opposite side.
Benefits:
1. The twist helps adrenal glands, kidneys, liver and spleen
2. Helpful for asthma, indigestion, constipation and obesity
3. Strengthens the spine and corrects stooping
Lotus posture
Technique:
1. Keep the right foot on the left thigh
2. Start bouncing the right knee. If the bouncing knee easily touches the floor, then bend the left knee, take hold of the left foot with both hands, gently glide it over the crossed right leg and place it on the right thigh.
3. Now your legs should be symmetrical and in the lotus position
4. Hands should be kept on the knees with palms open, and the thumb and second finger of each hand touching.
Benefits:
1. This pose has a calming effect on the mind and the nerves
2. Keeps the spine erect and helps develop good posture
3. Will keep you from going insane come exam time
4. You become mad flexible
Warning: Some postures are not for persons suffering from peptic ulcer, hernia, or cases of thyroid or endocrine gland disorders.
Source: www.holistic-online.com.
