Forwards bending asanas in yoga therapy

Today I am going to write a little about forward bending asanas and their use in yoga therapy[1].

First of all, let’s introduce the concept of “anuloma viloma system”, used to create sequence in yoga asanas.  “anu (with) loma (hair)” implying “natural order”, and it is opposed by vi (against) loma (hair), “going against”. So mainly we can find the use of this terminology speaking about a particular pranayama techinique, but actually it can also refers to the system used to create sequences in yoga asanas. The idea behind is that the body can function in a proper way when it is used in both directions, backwards and then forwards, on the right side and then on the left side, and so on. Apply this system it is also very  important in order not to create any kind of imbalance in our body.

General speaking the opposite sides of our body have also opposite functions (right side and left side of the brain, sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system, muladhara and sahasrara chakra, and so on). But in the same time it is also very important to understand that the concept of opposite means also a perfect single one. Usually when we hear the word “opposite” we will directly visualize two different parts, separated one from each other. But actually, in reality, it is just only one, since it is obvious that it can’t be the concept of light without the concept of dark. This is to explain the deep idea and understanding on which it is based the anuloma viloma system. So, I actually believe that using the body in both directions might leads use also to experience some kind of totally opposite feelings and benefits that actually are just a dualistic manifestation of our inner unity. In other words, once we use the forward bending asanas, we may experience a deep sense of totally letting go, just bowing with humility merging with a deep sense of egolessness. And, on the other hand, going into deep back bending asanas might make us experience a blissful sense of opening, especially on the heart centre, an expansion from in to out, that may lead us to embrace and take action in the life with love and courage.

In Yoga therapy, the use of forward bending asanas will induce to a very peaceful state, since the spine will be fully stretched and relaxed. In Paschimottanasana, for example, lot of blood will flow to the brain and this will induce into a calm state of mind and into a sense of acceptance filled by wisdom.

Paschimottanasana

Forward beding asanas will mainly prevent and cure diseases related to digestive and metabolic system, since manipura chakra (located on your navel) will be nicely stimulated. Also all abdominal organs (liver, stomach, intestin, pancreas, spleen and gall bladder) will receive a internal massage and the flow of energy will increase to these organs, promoting their health and right functioning. They will also help in regulating mestrual disfunctions.

Urdhvasana and Hastapadasana 

Moreover forward bending asanas, increasing the circulation in the spine, will also bring a good amount of inner heat to the kidneys.

Janu Sirshasana

Regarding joint and muscles ailments, forward bending asanas will also help to enhance knees, arm strings, and calves muscles' flexibility. Of course, the best would be to keep knees straight while performing forward bending asanas, but since in therapy our aim, rather than perfection of the posture, it is more about inducing a relaxed state of mind, it might be also helpful to bend slightly knees in order to give some confort to the practitioner. Moreover, forward bending would definitely help to mantain a strong spine, and to relieve neck and head ache.

Upavistha Konasana 

Upavistha Konasana with bended knees, as it can be used in therapy treatments

Regarding some technical details, I will mention here a paragraph from Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha by Swami Satyananda Saraswati.  “Most forward bending asanas start by bending from the hips and not from the waist. Bending from the hips gives greater flexibility of movement and creates a stronger pressure against the abdomen. Care must be taken not  to force the back to bend further forward than present flexibility will allow; rather, the muscle should be relaxed allowing gravity and exhalation to move the body. With regular practice, even the most rigid back will develop increased flexibility”.

This paper embodies the research done by me as a part of Yoga Therapist training 2016 held by Atmavikasa center of yogic sciences, Mysore, India www.atmavikasayoga.in

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[1] As referential books I may recommend Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha by Swami Satyananda Saraswati and Understanding yoga through body knowledge by Dr. Sulochana D. Telang.