Purpose of Asanas

Question 1

Twists and revolving - Parivritti

Answer 1

1. Twisting postures create rotation between the vertebral bodies of the spine
2. They build strength & flexibility in the deep and superficial spine and abdominal musculature, maintain elasticity of the intervertebral discs and ligaments
3. Massage, compress and stretch the mid torso - where the kidneys, adrenals, liver, gallbladder, spleen, Pancras and stomach are located thus stimulating digestion and elimination
4. Adjust relationship between shoulder & pelvic girdles and the spine
5. Strengthen & stretch deep & superficial musculature that bind the head, shoulders, arms and the pelvis and legs to the spine.

Question 2

Backwards bends - Purvatana

Answer 2

1. Stretch and strengthen front of torso, shoulder and pelvic girdles, legs
2. Strengthen the musculature of the back - sometimes this is more important than the stretching
3. Stretch and strengthen the iliopsoas muscles, diaphragm and intercostal, anterior muscled which bind the shoulder girdle to the spine, anterior muscles of the legs
4. Strengthen superficial and deep muscles of the back, which contract as we bend backwards
5. Strengthen posterior muscles of the shoulder girdle, and stretch abdominal organs, relieving visceral compression, gently compress the kidney area, stimulating its functions
6. Stretch anterior muscles of the neck and throat, activating thyroid and thymus glands.

Question 3

Forward bends - Paschimatana

Answer 3

1. Strength and stretch the back of the spine and the deeper muscles, lumbo sacral spine, upper back, shoulder girdle, pelvic girdle, legs and hamstrings
2. Strengthen abdominal muscles - which contract as we move/bend forward
3. Gently compress the abdominal organs - stimulating their function