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Backward Bending Asanas
Backward bending asanas are postures which turn the body out to face the world. They are stimulating and extroverting. Because they expand the chest and encourage inhalation, they are associated with the attitude of embracing life. They are also dynamic postures which move counter to gravity and, therefore, require strength and energy to perform.
Some people are known to bend over backwards to please others and these people often have the same ability on the physical level. Those who have difficulty in bending backwards, may be frightened to face life and give of themselves with love. These common fears are instinctual or due to unpleasant past experiences. This psychic stiffness dampens spontaneity and adversely affects the external personality. It translates itself via the brain and nervous system into the body and is called 'body armour'. Backward bending asanas break down this body armour. Their effects reach far into the depths of the mental and psychic bodies, helping to remould and reshape the personality.
On a physical level, the backward bending asanas stretch the abdominal muscles and tone and strengthen the muscles controlling the spine, helping prevent slipped disc and other back conditions. The spinal nerves, which emerge from between the adjoining vertebrae, are also toned. This has beneficial repercussions throughout the body since these nerves give energy to all the other nerves, organs and muscles in the body.
The spinal column is a 'stacked pile' of vertebrae and discs. Groups of muscles extend all along it, covering and supporting it from all sides. Maintenance of the spine in a straight
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| SR No. | 009366 |
| Book Title | Asan Pranayam Mudra Bandh |
| Original Sutra Author | N/A |
| Author | Satyanand Saraswati Swami |
| Publisher | Yoga Publication Trust |
| Publication Year | 2002 |
| Total Pages | 560 |
| Language | Hindi |
| Classification | Book_Devnagari |
| File Size | 5 MB |