Sarvanga Asana - King of all Asanas

Sarvangasana comes from three Sanskrit words: sarva which means all, anga which means body parts and asana, which means posture. As the name suggests, this asana has a positive effect on all parts of the body.

Neurophysiological effect: 
In our daily life, we tend to use our arm and leg muscles much more than our shoulder or neck muscles. A sedentary lifestyle and lack of exercise make these muscles weak. The result is pain and stiffness in the neck and shoulders.
 
The weight-bearing nature of Sarvangasana makes the muscles and bones stronger. It also relieves pressure from the anal muscles making it beneficial for haemorrhoids or piles patients. The inverted position in this asana restores normal biomechanical relationships and eases nerve tension felt in varicose veins. It helps rejuvenate the ear, nose and throat (ENT) area. It is also a beneficial asana for menopausal and reproductive organ disorders.

Endocrinal benefits: 
When the chin presses against the collar bone in Sarvangasana, the thyroid and parathyroid glands get stimulated resulting in increased blood supply to this region. The thyroid and parathyroid glands also control the functioning of other systems like the digestive and excretory systems. Proper functioning of these glands ensures development and regeneration of bone tissues. In growing children, this asana activates the pituitary gland, responsible for height and overall growth. Overweight issues are often linked to imbalance of hormones secreted by the pituitary. Sarvangasana keeps the endocrine system healthy.

Peace and calm: 
This posture makes abdominal breathing happen spontaneously, which relieves stress and allows more oxygenated blood to flow through the brain and neck region. All important nerves of the body pass though the neck area. The soothing effect of this asana on the nerves relaxes both body and mind. 

The asana is recommended for those suffering from insomnia, uncontrollable anger and mental tension. The asana requires focus and improves concentration and mind control.

Healthy Pregnancy

Control your BP for a Healthy Pregnancy

Pregnancy Induced hypertension (PIH) can be devastating, as there is much more alteration in the maternal body than just high blood pressure. Be watchful, and keep a control, with a good & healthy routine.

There are three distinct types of high Blood Pressure, or Hypertension that can complicate pregnancy. Chronic hypertension has minimal impact on pregnancy if controlled well. Pregnancy Induced hypertension (PIH) or gestational hypertension can be devastating, as there is much more alteration in the maternal body than just high blood pressure. Combined, i.e, chronic hypertension + Gestational hypertension is the worst possibility. Following symptoms can be seen in any of these types of hypertension:

- Increase in headache
- Giddiness Visual disturbances
- Protein in the urine
- Exaggerated deep tendon reflexes

Suggestions: You must consult your doctor for modification in drugs and dosages. Bed rest with a Low salt diet. Maintaining peace of mind before delivery. Regular checkups. One of the challenges for an obstetrician is to tell the difference between chronic hypertension and PIH when a patient complains of high BP. In non-pregnant state, the BP should be under 140/90. There is a “gray zone” of what is called pre-hypertension from 120/80 to 140/90 where trouble is brewing, raising the risk of hypertension. In pregnancy, BP tends to be a little lower, anywhere from 90's / 50's to 110’s/70’s. The BP of the patient will usually behave itself, rising only slightly during the course of pregnancy unless there are major changes. Patient with PIH will begin her pregnancy with a normal BP, but it will rise sometime in the third trimester in typical cases, and even earlier in severe cases. The actual criteria before suspecting PIH is a rise in systolic number of 30 and/or a rise of diastolic number (the bottom number) of 15. Eg: A BP that usually runs about 100/60 and then presents as 140/84 would warrant suspicion. The cure is delivery. So, a patient in such a situation has high-risk that commands close attention — often hospitalization.

To avoid any of the above situations, it is always better to begin a healthy lifestyle even before you have conceived. And if you are pregnant already, its never to late, why not start with meditation, keep your cool, do some light yoga asanas prescribed for lowering your BP levels. Remember, a healthy mind & healthy body can be very conducive to give birth to a healthy baby. So start on with a good health routine, go through tips for a healthy pregnancy & prenatal yoga for pregnancy, read good books & keep your mind free from all the troubles; After all you are going to be a mother now.. Keep Smiling & Pass on your smiles to your baby too !

Yoga for Getting Pregnant

Yoga and Meditation have proved to be the best medication if you are expecting to be pregnant. Here are a few of the yoga asanas that would help you in the process of fertilization / getting pregnant. Stress plays an important factor in fertility. Yoga has been proven to reduce the production of stress hormones which hamper conception.

Supta Baddhakonasana or Uptavistakonasana
These help to soften the belly & pelvis areas.

Steps for Baddhakonasana:
1. Lie on your back, legs and arms straight, palms up.
2. Bend left knee and place foot on floor, then do the same with right knee and foot.
3. Lower knees away from each other toward floor, bring soles of feet together, sweep arms until they’re overhead.
4. Hold for 5 to 10 breaths.
5. Bring knees upright, sweep arms back down toward sides of the body.




Sarvangasana
This asana helps to compress the thyroid. Because the balance of hormones affects fertility as well as the regular menstruation, this asana, helps to regulate hormones in the body.

Steps for Sarvangasana:
1. Lie with back on the floor, feet flat on the floor about hip-width apart, arms along sides of the body, palms up.
2. Bend knees in toward chest.
3. Roll hips up and over until legs straighten and toes come to the floor behind the head.
4. Place hands on low back for support, fingertips face up.
5. Lift right leg toward the ceiling.
6. Lift leg toward the ceiling.
7. Press (straight) legs into each other.
8. Hold for 3 to 5 breaths.
9. Keeping legs straight, lower legs at the same time behind the head until toes touch the floor.
10. Lower hands to the floor, palms up.
11. Roll back to the floor till hips reach the floor.
12. Bend knees, place feet on floor.




Halasana
This asana also, like Sarvangasana, helps to regulate hormones in the body.

Steps for Halasana
1. Lie flat on your back with knees bent, feet flat on the floor, legs together; arms are stretched alongside the body, palms press into the floor.
2. Bring knees in toward chest
3. Extend legs back over your head so the balls of the feet come to the floor behind you.
4. Clasp the hands together in front of you and straighten arms along the floor.
5. Hold for 3 to 5 breaths.
6. Bend the knees, placing the right knee next to the right ear and the left knee next to the left ear.
7. Release the hands and sweep them out and up, so hands rest next to the feet, palms up.
8. Hold for 3 to 5 breaths.
9. Slowly roll the shoulders and back down to the mat, til hips and feet come back to the floor in their original position



Note: You must always exercise these asanas, by keeping your basic health in check; Incase your health practitioner has warned you not to do any exercise / asana, you must always abide by the same. We would not be responsible for any physical injury caused due to your not following your doctor's advise.