What is term Medial rotation, in asana movement?
In yoga, medial rotation, also known as internal rotation, refers to a movement that involves rotating a limb or joint towards the center of the body. This movement is often used in poses such as warrior II (Virabhadrasana II) and chair pose (Utkatasana) to engage and strengthen the muscles of the hips and thighs. Medial rotation can also be used in poses such as pigeon pose (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana) to stretch the outer hip and gluteal muscles.
For example, in warrior II, the front leg is in a lunge position and the foot is turned outwards, while the back leg is straight and the foot is turned slightly inward, which is a medial rotation of the hip joint. This action helps to engage the muscles of the inner thigh and glutes, creating stability and strength in the lower body. In pigeon pose, the front leg is bent and the foot is placed towards the opposite hip, while the back leg is extended behind the body. Medial rotation of the front hip helps to stretch the outer hip and gluteal muscles, while also promoting relaxation and release in the hip joint. Proper alignment and awareness of the body during medial rotation can help to prevent injury and promote balance and strength.