Yoga: Three Reasons You Should Not Do Yoga Posture – Scorpion

The Scorpion – (Vrischikasana) Only those who can perform the Headstand without the slightest difficulty should attempt the Scorpion pose. (Beginners should not practice this asana).

Vrischika is the Sanskrit word for scorpion. This posture resembles a scorpion with its tail arched above its head ready to sting its victim. The Scorpion, which is an advanced posture promotes balance and brings harmony to the body and the mind. In the Scorpion position the hands are kept apart and the head is lifted up. The weight of the body rests on the elbows, while the hands provide extra stability.

This posture provides maximum stretch to the neck, chest, spine and the abdominal muscles. The entire spine is vigorously toned and remains healthy. It strengthens the arms, shoulders, back and fully expands the lungs.

Practice of this asana increases blood flow to the brain and pituitary gland, revitalizing all body’s system. It also increases circulation in the lower limbs and the abdomen, and tones the reproductive organs. The Scorpion combines many of the benefits of the Headstand (Sirshasana) and the Wheel (Chakrasana) pose.

You can come into the Scorpion in one of two ways:

1) By kicking up into the posture with head lifted (for more athletic person), or

2) By coming into it from the Headstand.

If you are coming into Scorpion from the Headstand do not delay, because coming into Scorpion after being in the Headstand for more than a few seconds creates excess pressure in the arterial circulation to the brain.

Although the Scorpion pose gives us many benefits, in some health conditions this pose is not recommended to be performed.

Three important reasons (out of many) not to do Scorpion:

1) If you have glaucoma, detached retina, or other eye disorders that are aggravated by pressure avoid this pose.

2) Do not do this asana if you have high blood pressure or heart palpitations.

3) In case of suffering from vertigo do not practice this pose. Caution: Always check with your doctor if you have any doubts or concerns regarding the suitability of this pose for you.

Issued in the interest of people practicing Hatha Yoga by Subodh Gupta, Yoga Expert based in London.

Mr. Subodh Gupta, a Corporate Yoga Trainer has conducted more than 500 workshops on Yoga and Stress Management. He has been interviewed by various TV channels in India and London.

For reaching to Subodh Gupta Yoga website http://www.subodhgupta.com/ and for Subodh Gupta Corporate yoga webpage http://www.subodhgupta.com/corporateyoga.html

Yoga: Three Reasons You Should Not Do Yoga Posture - Side Plank

The Side Plank – (Vasisthasana)

This posture is dedicated to the sage Vasistha. In a Sanskrit language ‘Vasistha’ means ‘Most Excellent Sage’ and is the name of a sage in the yoga tradition.

The Side Plank is also called the One Arm Balance posture as it involves balancing on one arm and the side of one foot. To keep the posture balanced the torso and legs must be aligned at a 45-degree angle with the floor.

The full version of the Side Plank posture, where the top leg is raised perpendicular to the floor is very difficult for most beginners. The modified version with both legs kept together is suitable for all levels of students.

The Side Plank is a very powerful arm and wrist strengthener. Regular practice of this posture makes the leg muscles supple. It strengthens the shoulders, abdominal muscles, buttocks and tones the lower back. The back of the legs become stretched.

The Side Plank posture improves nervous balance and builds focus and concentration. By the practice of this posture stamina, determination and will-power are enhanced.

The Side Plank is a quite powerful and strengthening posture with lots of benefits to a practitioner. However, in some health conditions this posture is not recommended.

Three important reasons not to do the Side Plank:

1) If you have injured your wrist do not practice this posture, until healed and discussed with your doctor.

2) In case of chronic or recent arm or shoulder injury avoid this posture.

3) If your ankle was injured do not attempt this posture.

Caution: Always check with your doctor if you have any doubts or concerns regarding the suitability of this posture for you. It is best to perform this yoga posture in presence of a qualified yoga teacher.

Issued in the interest of people practicing Hatha Yoga by Subodh Gupta, Yoga Expert based in London.

Mr.Subodh Gupta, a Corporate Yoga Trainer has conducted more than 500 workshops on Yoga and Stress Management. He has been interviewed by various TV channels in India and London.

For reaching to Subodh Gupta Yoga website http://www.subodhgupta.com and for Subodh Gupta Corporate yoga webpage http://www.subodhgupta.com/corporateyoga.html.