CONTRAINDICATIONS, LIMITATIONS, AND PRECAUTIONS OF RECLINING AND RESTORATIVE ASANAS
Introduction Reclining and restorative asanas represent a cornerstone of yogic practice, emphasizing relaxation, alignment, recovery, and subtle energetic integration. Reclining asanas, also called supine postures, involve lying on the back with varying degrees of extension, flexion, or lateral movement, while restorative asanas employ supports such as bolsters, blankets, straps, or blocks to facilitate passive stretching […]
CONTRAINDICATIONS, LIMITATIONS, AND PRECAUTIONS OF BALANCING ASANAS
Introduction Balancing asanas are a critical category of yoga postures that challenge the body’s ability to maintain equilibrium, stability, and coordination. These postures include standing balances such as Vrikshasana (Tree Pose) and Garudasana (Eagle Pose), arm balances like Bakasana (Crow Pose) and Eka Pada Koundinyasana, and dynamic balances such as Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana (Extended Hand-to-Big-Toe […]
CONTRAINDICATIONS, LIMITATIONS, AND PRECAUTIONS OF HIP-OPENING ASANAS
Introduction Hip-opening asanas, or postures that involve external rotation, abduction, and flexion of the hip joints, are a fundamental component of yoga practice. These asanas include both seated and supine postures such as Baddha Konasana (Bound Angle Pose), Upavistha Konasana (Seated Wide-Angle Pose), Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclined Bound Angle Pose), Gomukhasana (Cow Face Pose), and […]
CONTRAINDICATIONS, LIMITATIONS, AND PRECAUTIONS OF SUPINE ASANAS
Introduction Supine asanas, or postures performed while lying on the back (supine meaning “lying face up”), form a fundamental component of yoga practice. These postures range from restorative and gentle forms like Savasana (Corpse Pose) and Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclined Bound Angle Pose) to more active, strength-oriented postures such as Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose), Urdhva […]
CONTRAINDICATIONS, LIMITATIONS, AND PRECAUTIONS OF INVERTED ASANAS
Introduction Inverted asanas, also referred to as upside-down postures or viparita-sthiti in yogic terminology, are a distinctive category within the practice of yoga. These postures invert the body so that the head is below the heart, the spine is aligned in a reverse gravitational orientation, and the lower extremities are elevated. Classic examples include Sirsasana […]
CONTRAINDICATIONS, LIMITATIONS, AND PRECAUTIONS OF PRONE ABDOMINAL ASANAS
Introduction Among the diverse categories of yoga postures, prone abdominal asanas—those performed while lying on the belly—occupy an essential place. In Sanskrit terminology, this group of postures is generally referred to as prone postures or viparita-sthiti variations, where the anterior body faces downward, and the spine, hips, and shoulders are actively engaged. The most recognized […]
CONTRAINDICATIONS, LIMITATIONS, AND PRECAUTIONS OF ARM-BALANCING ASANAS
Introduction Arm-balancing asanas occupy a unique place in modern yoga practice. Unlike meditative sitting postures, restorative reclining asanas, or classical standing postures, arm balances emphasize the cultivation of strength, stability, and focus. They often symbolize courage and the willingness to step beyond comfort zones. Postures such as Bakasana (Crow Pose), Parsva Bakasana (Side Crow), Mayurasana […]
CONTRAINDICATIONS, LIMITATIONS, AND PRECAUTIONS OF SITTING ASANAS
Introduction Sitting postures, or sitting asanas, occupy a central place in the practice of yoga. Traditionally, the foundational purpose of yoga postures was not to perform elaborate acrobatics or achieve physical feats but to prepare the body for meditation and spiritual realization. Ancient yogic texts such as the Hatha Yoga Pradipika and the Gheranda Samhita […]
CONTRAINDICATIONS, LIMITATIONS, AND PRECAUTIONS OF KNEELING ASANAS
Introduction Kneeling asanas occupy a unique position in the vast repertoire of yoga postures. They bridge the gap between standing asanas that emphasize strength and grounding, and seated asanas that cultivate stillness and introspection. The kneeling position symbolizes surrender, humility, and devotion — qualities deeply rooted in the yogic tradition. From the practical standpoint of […]
CONTRAINDICATIONS, LIMITATIONS, AND PRECAUTIONS OF TWISTING ASANAS
Introduction Twisting asanas occupy a special place in the practice of yoga. They are revered for their ability to detoxify, energize, and harmonize the body, while simultaneously cultivating inner awareness and equilibrium. From the standpoint of yoga philosophy, a twist represents the symbolic act of wringing out impurities — both physical and psychological — and […]