Vajrasana | Diamond Pose | Adamantine pose | Pelvic pose | Thunderbolt pose | Kneeling pose
Vajrasana is a kneeling pose, and it takes its name from the Sanskrit word Vajra, which means diamond or thunderbolt. Asana, of course, means pose. This diamond pose is also called Adamintine Pose. Usually, breathing exercises like Pranayama, Kapalabhati, and Anulon Vilom are done sitting in this position, and it is said that in doing so, the body becomes as strong as a diamond. Yoga is supposed to be practiced on an empty stomach, but this asana is one of the few exceptions. You can safely perform this asana after a meal. In fact, it is more effective if performed immediately after a meal. This pose promotes proper digestion. Vajrasana is the magical yoga asana that helps us melt the belly fat. If you are slim and trim with flat belly, you would definitely want to maintain this figure. Practice Vajrasana regularly for at least 15-20 minutes immediately after meals and you won’t later regret. ↑
Precaution of vajrasana
- A person suffering from joint pain should not practice this asana.
- Should practice under expert guidance.
- You may feel pain in the legs when you begin to practice this asana. If your leg aches, undo the asana and stretch your legs. Now massage your ankles, knees and calf muscles with hand. This soothes the muscles and pain gradually fades.
- If you have knee problem, have history of knee injury or had recent knee surgery; don’t practice Vajrasana.
- You can still practice this asana if you are pregnant. Be cautious to keep your knees apart to not stress your abdomen.
- People who have any spinal column ailments, especially on the lower vertebrae should not attempt this pose. Those with hernia, intestinal ulcers and other diseases of the small and large intestine should practice this pose under expert guidance and advice. Beginners should work slowly on improving the strength of the lower back muscles, before lifting the legs up or increasing the duration to hold this pose. This would help in minimizing the strain of the breath. Benefits of this pose are greatly minimized if the individual capacity is exceeded. One should practice minimum lifting and increased duration, instead of maximum lifting of the legs and maintaining the posture for a shorter time. ↑
Procedure of vajrasana
- Kneel down with lower legs stretched straight backwards and toes crossing each other.
- Sit over the heels – your buttocks should sit on the heels and thighs on the calf muscles.
- Sit straight with head facing forward and hands on your knees.
- Close your eyes (optional) and focus on breath observing inhalation and exhalation.
- Practice this position for 5 – 10 minutes in initial days and increase gradually up to 20 – 30 minutes. ↑
Benefits of vajrasana
- Calms the mind and bring stability in mind.
- Cures constipation, acidity, increases digestion process.
- Those suffering from gas problems can practice immediately after lunch or dinner.
- Helps to get rid of back pain.
- Cures stomach disorder.
- Cures urinary problems.
- Strengthens the sexual organs.
- Increases blood circulation.
- It is preferred for meditation and concentration.
- Helps to reduce obesity.
- Strengthens the thigh muscles.
- Acts as pain killer in arthritis patients.
- Vajrasana helps better blood circulation in the body. It modifies the blood flow by reducing the blood flow in lower portion, especially in the legs and increasing blood flow to the digestive organs resulting to efficiency of the digestive system. People with weak digestion are benefited. Better digestion checks acidity and ulcers.
- People with sciatica and severe lower back problems should regularly practice vajrasana to be benefited.
- Vajrasana is the answer to constipation, stomach disorder, digestive problems, acidity. It makes lower body flexible, strengthens sexual organs, tones body muscles (hips, thighs, calves), cures joint pains, urinary problems, etc.
- Losing weight becomes possible with regular practice of Vajrasana. You will see the difference in your belly fat after a few weeks of regular Vajrasana practice.
- Vajrasana calms mind and relaxes the nerves.
- Slow and rhythmic breathing in this position can induce a meditative state. ↑
