When you think about it, the word “vira” can mean a lot of things. It can be a superhero or just someone who’s strong and brave. When it comes to yoga poses, there are many variations that all fall under the umbrella of vira — including Virasana. Virasana is a versatile yoga pose with many benefits.
This pose is not just for superheroes and brave warriors; anyone can benefit from putting their toes and knees together in this position!
Not only does this pose to stretch the muscles in your hips and lower back, but it also helps to open up your hips. This makes it an excellent prep pose for double-legged forward bends like Pincha Vrksasana (Frog Pose).
Let’s see how you can perform this pose.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Virasana
- To get into the pose, sit on the floor with your legs extended. Bring your toes and knees together, and cross your ankles.
- If you have knee or hip issues, you can place a blanket or a pillow between your knees to make it more comfortable, or sit on a pillow to elevate your hips.
- Place your hands on your knees or shins, or you can also rest your hands on your lower back.
This pose is great for beginners since you don’t have to move around much. You may even be able to stay in this position for 10 minutes, as long as your knees and hips are comfortable.
Since this pose is seated, it can be a great option if you are pregnant.
You can also find the detailed instructions for performing Virasana (a versatile yoga pose) in the following video by Yog4Lyf Yoga Instructor, Mr. Harsh:
Benefits of Virasana
Wondering how this yoga pose benefits you? Let’s find it out:
- Reduced Stress and Anxiety
The Virasana pose is known to reduce stress and anxiety, which can also lead to better sleep. - Improved Digestion
This pose also helps to stimulate the release of digestive juices, which are necessary for the process of digestion. It’s also beneficial for your liver and pancreas, organs that are essential to the digestive process. - Regulate the flow of blood
It helps regulate the flow of blood in the body, which is especially important for people who sit for long periods of time. - Great for spine and posture
It is also known to improve the flexibility of the lower back and spine, which can reduce pressure and strain on these joints. It can also help improve your posture. This pose is particularly beneficial for people who work in an office or spend a lot of time standing.
Contraindication
This pose is great for most people.
However, if you have knee or hip issues, you can place a blanket or a pillow between your knees to make it more comfortable.
If you have a blood pressure issue, you can leave out the arm-behind-the-back variation since that could increase your blood pressure.
Conclusion
Virasana is a great pose for beginners and those with knee or hip issues. It is especially beneficial for those who sit at a desk all day or those who may spend a lot of time traveling. It can help to reduce back pain and increase blood flow.
If you want to add a seated pose to your day, Virasana is a great option.
Share with your friends and family to encourage them into doing this helpful yoga pose.
Happy Yogaing!
