What is Vakrasana? Here’s all you need to know!

Vakrasana comes from a combination of two words, Vakra means “twisted” and asana means “yoga posture.” In this pose, your spine is bent and curved. It is amongst the most flexible yoga asanas and is often called the “twisted pose” or “seated twist yoga pose.” This yoga pose provides proper stretch to your spine and massages your abdominal region.

It is done in a seated position in which you need to twist your trunk to either side. This posture not only improves your blood sugar levels but also reduces the risk of Diabetic complications such as heart diseases. As per certain studies and research, Vakrasana stimulates Pancreas and regulates the flow of digestive juices flowing in your body, thereby easing the process of digestion.

Some of the Top Facts about Vakrasana!

  • This asana is extremely difficult in the beginning if you have a stiff body as it needs proper flexibility.
  • It is amongst the best yoga asanas if you want to keep your spine healthy.
  • It offers amazing benefits for people who are suffering from diabetes, menstrual disorders, constipation, and cervical pain.
  • It is good for reproductive health as it increases the blood flow, nutrients, and oxygen flow in the pelvic and abdominal areas.

What is the Step-by-Step procedure to Perform Vakrasana?

If you want to practice the seated twist yoga pose, you need to follow the steps mentioned below:

  • Sit down and stretch your legs in the forward direction.
  • Keep your hands beside your thighs and buttocks.
  • Slightly bend your left leg while resting the sole of your feet on the ground.  Keep your right leg straight on the ground.
  • Twist your trunk (The human body apart from the head, neck, arms, and legs) towards your left and bring in your right hand over the left leg.
  • Place your right hand on your left toe and hold your left ankle with your right hand. Position your left hand behind to support your body.
  • Make sure that your neck is in a twisted position, in line with the torso.
  • Try to maintain a normal breath throughout and maintain this pose for at least 30 seconds.
  • Now, slowly release the pose and relax.
  • Repeat the same steps on the right side as well.
  • Rests in Savasana after practicing the side twist poses.

How to Breathe during Vakrasana?

Synchronizing your breath with the body is extremely important if you want to practice the side spinal twist pose. While twisting your body, make sure to exhale. Don’t rush and try to breathe slowly and calmly. Inhale while returning to the starting position. Make sure:

  • To keep your spine erect and muscles active.
  • To press the elbow into your knee.

11 Top Benefits of practicing Vakrasana

Vakrasana comes with a lot of health benefits; it’s just that you need to practice it correctly.

  • Purifies your Lungs

The practice of the seated pose helps your body to throw out the sluggish and stagnated blood from your spinal region and send it to your lungs and heart for further purification. This in turn increases your lung capacity.

  • Relieves Back Pain

 Regular practice of this posture works well in treating back pain along with any pain in the neck and head.

  • Reduces the Stiffness by Increasing Flexibility

Vakrasana is the best yoga posture that reduces stiffness and increases flexibility. In case you are having a stiff body, this seated spinal twist pose is the best one to practice.

  • Treats the problem of Slip Disc

This yoga asana is extremely beneficial as it treats mild slip discs and the problem of Sciatica that is a common problem nowadays.

  • Beneficial in case of Diabetes

Vakrasana is extremely beneficial in the case of Diabetes. This yoga posture gives an excellent massage to your abdominal organs which include your pancreas too. Regularly practicing this pose stimulates your pancreas and gives it signals to secrete more insulin. And you know what insulin secretion controls your blood sugar levels thus aiding you with the problem of Diabetes.

  • Prevents Aging

With growing age, your adjacent vertebrae may fuse. In this case, the seated spinal twist prevents your adjacent vertebrae from fusing. This problem is quite a problem in elderly people.

  • Promotes Weight Loss

Having a toned body with a flat stomach is a dream that almost everyone wants to achieve. This yoga posture gives adequate twist and compression in your abdominal area and regular practice rewards you with a flat belly and love handles.

  • Relieves Stress and Fatigue

Without any shadow of a doubt, stress and fatigue are common issues that people face. Vakrasana is an extremely powerful and beneficial pose for people who are experiencing stress or fatigue.

  • Improves Digestion

Spinal Twist pose improves the digestion process as the twists and compressions experienced during this pose stimulate the abdominal area by promoting the release of digestive juices.

  • Promotes a Healthy Urinary System

Practicing Vakrasana ensures proper flow of oxygen, essential nutrients, and blood to the urinary region and thus provides you with a healthy urinary system.

  • Improves Blood Circulation and Cures Headache

The compression and stretching in the abdominal muscles felt during this yoga asana improves blood circulation throughout the body and cures the problem of headache.

Final Words

Vakrasana is one of the best yoga postures not amongst adults, but kids as well. If you think that there aren’t any yoga classes, then the good news is that this posture can be easily performed at home. You just need to make sure that you perform it carefully and follow proper breathing techniques for the best results.