Sitting in Sukhasana is one of the best ways to have meals, as preached by ancient Indian saints. The yogic pose offers an array of benefits related to posture and spine alignment. It also improves focus and prevents one from overeating.
It is well-known that yoga rejuvenates the body and mind and calms the soul. Resulting in a burst of energy in the body. It is recommended that practicing yoga must begin with easy poses. Practicing yoga poses on a daily basis helps remove anxiety and stress and keeps the body at peace.
Sukhasana is one such posture that comes with multiple health benefits of yoga. However, one must take adequate precautions and know about the process before practicing it. This article is a compilation of everything you need to know about the Sukhasana pose, its benefits, and how to correctly practice it.
Understanding the Sukhasana pose in yoga
Also known as the easy pose, the Sukhasana pose in yoga is derived from two Sanskrit words. Sukham means joy, and asana means posture, together forming a posture that induces happiness. In Sukhasana, people sit with crossed legs, hence, it can be practiced by people of almost all age groups.
The best part is that it can be performed before rigorous exercise as a warm-up. And it can also be performed to relax after any exercise or yoga session. Sukhasana yoga pose is gentle and relaxing. It tones the spinal muscles, stretches the hips, and elongates the spine. One can perform it by placing their palms outwardly on the thighs. This symbolizes that the person is open to receiving positivity. One can also perform Sukhasana in a prayer pose that targets the palm's focal points.
Benefits of Sukhasana pose
Sukhasana offers immense energy to the mind and body. In addition to which it has advantages like:
- Increased focus
The easy pose offers a mind-relaxing effect and increases concentration levels. When you sit in the Sukhasana position and focus on your breathing, it enhances focus. This also reduces anxiety and stress levels.
- Spine alignment
Moreover, Sukhasana enhances proper spine alignment. When the spine is aligned, it corrects the body posture and strengthens the back and shoulders muscles. In addition to postural benefits, Sukhasana also stretches the spine upward. So, if you work a desk job, this is the perfect yoga asana for you to practice.
- Blood circulation
Along with benefits for the body and mind, Sukhasana allows the flow of blood toward the lower abdomen. This results in better digestion. The yoga position also reduces gas-related issues and other indigestion problems.
- Stretches the body
Performing the Sukhasana yoga pose helps in stretching the ankles and knees. This asana unlocks the hips and helps avoid sprains. Since people sit by crossing their legs in this asana, it releases tension from the body.
Additional benefits of the Sukhasana position in yoga include that it develops a wider body frame by broadening the chest and collarbones. Moreover, children can practice this sukhasana posture to increase their height.
Sukhasana also reduces leg and knee pain and targets lower back pain as well. The yoga pose targets the body's parasympathetic nervous system and reduces blood pressure.
The benefits of performing Sukhasana also include helping with rigid body postures and inducing internal happiness.
What is the technique of Sukhasana posture? Guide to performing the yoga pose
The step-by-step technique of the Sukhasana posture is very easy.
- Step 1: Simply begin by sitting straight and stretching your legs in front of your body.
- Step 2: Now, bend your left leg and keep the left foot under your right thigh. Follow the same step with your right leg. Place the right foot under your left thigh. Make sure you don’t do this process in a rush. It can take some time for beginners to get the foot placement right.
- Step 3: Slowly adjust the legs and body comfortably in this yoga position.
- Step 4: Make sure you continue sitting straight along with an aligned neck, head, and spine.
- Step 5: Now, keep your palms on your thighs and bend the elbows. Relax your shoulders and close your eyes.
- Step 6: Start taking focused deep breaths. This step will relax the body and mind.
You can meditate in the Sukhasana position for as long as you like. Make sure to interchange the position of the legs every time you perform this asana.
Some additional tips for performing the Sukhasana pose
Sukhasana is not a difficult yoga pose. However, it is important to note additional tips to ensure you are following the correct sukhasana posture.
Ensure that your knees are close to the ground when performing Sukhasana. Avoid pulling the legs close to your pelvis.
If you suffer from back or leg pain, avoid performing this yoga position on the floor. Perform it by sitting on a height like a block or cushion. Sitting at a higher position will ensure a safer pelvic position.
For people who are beginners to yoga or have spine issues, it is advised that they sit against a wall. Using the support of a wall will relieve back pain and offer balance.
Moreover, one should avoid sitting in an area with loud noises or music when performing this yoga position as it disturbs the focus and concentration required for Sukhasana.
Make sure to practice this asana with a calm mind. If your mind wanders during Sukhasana, you will not be able to reap its benefits.
Conclusion
Called the easy pose for a reason, the Sukhasana pose can be practiced by most people, allowing everyone to reap its benefits. The yoga pose offers spinal, postural, and concentration benefits in addition to which it aids the digestive process as well. There is no fixed time for performing Sukhasana yoga, and one can practice it as per their will. People who wish to meditate in the pose can practice it for an hour or more, while others can practice it for as long as they are comfortable.