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Ashwini Mudra (gesture of the horse) Asana or Horse Pose is an advanced yoga pose which is very beneficial for whole body. It is so named because Ashwa in Sanskrit means horse. Mudra means twisting parts of the body in a specific manner enabling one to attain higher physical and mental benefits. Horse has a very special place among animals. It takes minimum resources and gives maximum in return. Its food is grass and water. In return, it has tremendous power for work. It serves its master well and gives maximum output. This pose is so named also because of the way it is done. The anal contraction practiced during the pose is similar to the one done by a horse with its sphincter. The Asana is all about the contraction and relaxation of the buttock muscles, perineum, sphincter and the entire pelvic region. This is a very powerful technique to pump the energy up into Manipura.
TECHNIQUE
There are two different methods for doing this Asana:
METHOD 1
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| Ashwini Mudra Asana |
This method is recommended for pregnant women.
Sit in any comfortable meditation asana like Sukh Asana.
Close the eyes and relax the whole body.
Become aware of the natural breathing process for a few minutes, and then take the awareness to the anus.
Contract the sphincter muscles of the anus for a few seconds without straining then relax them for a few seconds.
Try to confine the action to the anal area. Repeat the practice for as long as possible. Contraction and relaxation should be performed smoothly and rhythmically. Gradually make the contractions more rapid.
METHOD 2
This method is recommended for normal and healthy persons.
Sit on your heel or on a rolled up towel or tennis ball so pressure is felt on Muladhara Chakra which is situated between genitals and anus.
Inhale and fill the lungs about 1/3rd of total capacity.
Contract and relax the anus 15 times, about twice per second.
Exhale and then again inhale and fill the lungs about 1/3rd of total capacity.
Contract and relax the anus 15 more times.
Exhale and again Inhale the last time and fill the lungs about 1/3 total capacity.
Contract and relax the anus 15 more times.
Hold the breath, pull the shoulders forward and press the chin against the chest for a moment. Feel the heat and hydraulic pressure build up.
Take a sniff of air and exhale through the nose as you release the tension. Feel the energy flush through the entire body. Visualize the energy moving up the spine.
Any healthy person can practice this mudra. But, women suffering from the problems of the uterus should not do this Asana.
Persons with the problem of fistula are not fit for it.
BENEFITS
Ashwini Mudra atones up the pelvic muscles and organs. It caters to the well being of all those muscles and nerves surrounding the anus sphincters. The diseases of the anus and the rectum are specially taken care of by it.
By the constant practice of this mudra, Pran and Apan Vayus are activated. It contributes to physical energy leading to healthy and long life.
This Mudra has positive effects on the empty spaces in the stomach and improves functioning of these parts.
This Asana also has good effects for females.
Ashwini mudra prevents escape of the pranic energy and redirects it inward which assists physical and mental progress in an individual
It is one of the most important exercises for preparing the mother for childbirth.
Regular practice of this Mudra exercises and strengthens the muscles of entire pelvic region.
It helps the mother cope with the weight of the child during pregnancy and eases childbirth by virtue of the fact that the mother is perfectly trained in relaxing the muscles of pelvic region.
