Our body and mind undergo certain changes with the onset of different seasons. It is important to maintain a balanced body, mind and soul, in every season. During summer our body tends to heat up, aggravating the ‘pitta’ dosha. According to Ayurveda, the human body has three doshas (humours) – vata, pitta and kapha. Pitta is basically driven by solar energy, so we need to cool down our internal heat energy in summer to maintain equilibrium.
Here are a few yoga postures that can help you stay cool this summer:
Matsyasana (Fish Pose)
The term ‘Matsyasana’ is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Matsya’ which means ‘fish’ and asana means ‘posture’. Matsyasana is a backbend posture where the yoga practitioner lies on his back and lifts his chest while releasing his head back. In this position, the hands and legs are placed on the mat while inflating the chest on each inhale. Few of the benefits of Fish pose are:
- Relieves tension from the neck & shoulders
- More amount of oxygen is inhaled
- Tones the pituitary glands
- Gives a good stretch to your chest and neck
Ustrasana (Camel Pose)
Derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Ustra’ which means ‘camel’ and asana means ‘posture’, this deep backward bend yoga pose is performed in a kneeling position. This posture is considered to be quite challenging for beginners, once in practice, it can relax your entire body. Ustrasana stretches and opens the whole front body including hip flexors. This mudra is also traditionally seen as ‘heart centre’. Benefits of Ustrasana yoga are:
- Improves core strengths and stamina
- Strengthens the shoulders and back
- Improves digestion and cures constipation
- Stimulates endocrine glands
- Enhances overall fitness
Shavasana (Corpse Pose)
Shavasana is one of the most relaxing postures in yoga asanas. Practising this posture every day will relax your body, mind and spirit and help maintain equilibrium. Corpse pose looks like one of the easiest yoga postures, where no kind of stretching is required. But in reality, it is hard as it requires us to let go of any kind of hold on every part of our body, which is extremely difficult. Generally, yoga sessions start and ends with this pose. Following are the various benefits of Shavasana:
- Improves focus, memory and concentration power
- Lowers blood pressure and muscular tension
- Rejuvenates your entire body, mind and soul
- Helps in improving self-confidence
Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend Pose)
The word ‘Uttasana’ is derived from Sanskrit words ‘Ud’, ‘Tana’, Uttana’ and ‘Asana’, where ‘ud’ means prefix for verbs or nouns denoting superiority, ‘tana’ means stretched, ‘uttana’ means intense stretch and ‘asana’ means posture. This yoga posture stretches back of the body, majorly stretching the hamstrings. To practice this asana, one has to stand on their two feet, bending from the hips, letting the head hang, and placing both the palms near the feet. Uttanasana has different variations with unique health benefits. Here are a few benefits of Uttanasana:
- Strengthens your spine and increase flexibility
- Stimulates spleen, liver and kidneys
- Lowers blood pressure
- Calms the mind and soothes the nerves
- Reduces anxiety, stress, depression and fatigue
Practising the above-mentioned yoga poses can help you control your internal body heat, which can keep you cool and calm during the scorching summer season. Along with these asanas, it is also important to maintain a healthy diet which is low in sodium, oil, and spices.
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