Asana of the week: Supta Veerasana.

Photo courtesy: Franz Andrini.

Supta Veerasana, or lying hero is a more intense sibling of Veerasan pose.

This pose might be out of bounds to many people but it is nevertheless very useful for medium practitioners, who find it a great fun and even a greater boon for the back and knees.

Supta Veerasana rejuvenates knees, shanks, thighs and ankles. It expands chest and flattens the stomach and it is one of very best poses to be practice for weight loss and slimness.

People with disabilities in the spine, hips and knees will find this pose awkward yet therapeutic at the same time. Sure, it might not always be the case if disabilities are an impediment to the practice of it. However, the pose does help tremendously in curing sciatica, hernia/slipped disc and scoliosis by adjusting the pelvic area and expelling the cold air out of vertebrae; at many times the knee problems are associated with the spinal disorders. People who experience too much pain in the knees will find it better to skip the pose, or rather add a blanket/pillow behind the knees and then bend backwards.

Besides adjusting the spine and pelvis, Supta Veerasana applies strong pressure on the internal organs as well. It definitely benefits intestinal tract, stomach, liver, kidneys, urinary bladder, prostate and colon. It is a pose frequently used to cure sexual debilitation.

The chest expansion occurs and shoulders also become more mobile and less strenuous. Immobile shoulders are generally connected with spinal disorders.

In the pose itself, the prana, samana, vyana and uddana airs increase in their velocity. Upon closing the pose, apana air becomes active shortly after – helping expel the toxic waste.

Supta Veerasana is a giver of peace of mind, universal sense of the Atman – spirit and a physician to the body in pain.

For a better effect, do practice it under a guidance of a competent teacher.

Video here.

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