Our posture plays a major role in our bodies ability to function from a place of strength and relaxation. Asana, meaning right posture, is described in yoga as the postures that prepare us for a stable mind and body. Asana practice, the postural aspect of yoga, is often used as an Ayurvedic treatment for the physical body.
We can overcome emotional and physical diseases of fatigue, low energy, and depression through practice and reflection of yoga postures. An advanced yoga asana practice is not determined by how far one’s legs can reach behind their head, but rather the peaceful attitude they carry while overcoming obstacles and in meditation.Yoga postures prepare us for meditation by circulating energy, cultivating inner strength, and raising awareness of our breath.
The grip of a yogi is said to be that which can comfortably hold an egg: firm enough to not let it slip, yet gentle enough to keep it from breaking. Asanas teach us to practice yoga, and life, with a firm yet gentle attitude.
Circulation of Blood and Energy
When we reconnect with our body’s functioning through postures of yoga, we are able to listen and address our body’s needs, leaving us feeling relaxed and refreshed. Stagnancy builds up and manifests in the form of accumulated waste in the body or emotional fatigue in the mind. Yoga postures can aid in flow of blood and energy that prevents stagnancies in our mind and body. Improving circulation throughout our body allows blood to move into deep tissues, sending vitality into an exhausted body.
Cultivating Inner Strength
The inner strength we build when practicing asanas gives us a radiance and vigor described as ojas in Ayurveda.The right postures help us learn to relax unnecessary tension while strengthening weak muscles. The ability to build muscle while simultaneously relaxing the overworked parts of our body is the result of a comfortable yoga practice. It’s important to push yourself in your practice while maintaining a steady comfortable breath, so you can practice regularly and reflect on your breath.
Breath Awareness
Sustaining self awareness of your breath during asana practice enables recognition and correction of shallow breathing patterns. Taking deep breaths through difficult poses builds a patient endurance for remaining calm during challenging situations in life. When we take deeper breaths, there is more oxygen delivered to our bodies, lowering the rate that our heart must pump to oxygenate our cells. The less we put strain on our heart, the more we feel relieved of stress in our body. Breathing habits are easily forgotten and chronic shallow breathing puts a strain on the heart, leaving the body fatigued.
Try listening to your breath during asana, focusing the mind on the sound of the breath creates an awareness that will eventually cultivate unwavering peace, firmly grounded in a still mind. Asana settles prana, breath, preparing our bodies for pranayama, breath control. Through a regular practice, breath eventually guides the postures, making the practice more creative and healing.
As the third limb of yoga, following Yama and Niyama, Asanas help us settle the breath and improve circulation to release tension and diseases of the mind and body. To better understand the Yamas and Niyamas, you can look into our articles!:
Yoga’s Guide to Self Discipline and Spiritual Practice: Niyamas
Yoga’s Ethical Guide for Social Conduct: The Yamas
References
Frawley, David. Yoga and Ayurveda. Twin Lakes, Wisconsin. Lotus Press. 1999.
Schneider, Meir. Movement for Self-Healing. Novato, CA. New World Library. 2004
Photo by Marcus Aurelius
Published 3/11/2025
Article by Kaylee Vinson
