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The lightning bolt pose or utkata asana or raised posture is a powerful yoga pose. As you form the shape of a lightning bolt you are filled with the dynamic energy of lightning. Utkata asana removes shoulders’ stiffness, strengthens legs and ankles, lifts diaphragm, massages heart, tones back and stomach and develops chest. It also warms up the entire body. The name given to each asana does not reflect just a name but an inner thought which is needed to know that feeling. This asana gives power to whole body in an attacking manner. The power or fierceness would signify the importance that every part of your body tries to attain. During this Asana the imaginary chair helps find that power, the power by which sitting pose can be achieved without any support. Learning this asana would also help to know about body strength and stamina to remain in the pose.
TECHNIQUE
Begin with the Mountain Pose or Parvat Asana or Tada Asana.
Inhale and raise the arms over your head with your palms together or slightly apart.
Exhale and bend the knees, taking the thighs as parallel to the floor as possible. Be careful to keep your knees from buckling inward; keep your feet together, or slightly apart.
Press the stretched shoulders to the back.
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| Utkata Asana |
Extend your arms so they are in line with your torso. Feel the shape of the lightning and breathe deeply.
Stay in this position from 40 seconds to one minute.
Now straighten knees while inhaling.
Exhale and release arms to the sides and return to the starting position i.e. to Tada Asana.
To help you stay in this pose, perform it near a wall. Stand with your back to the wall, a few inches away from the wall. Adjust your position relative to the wall so that when you bend into the position, your tailbone just touches and is supported by the wall.
Never perform this Asana in case of headache, insomnia and low blood pressure.
BEBEFITS
Strengthens the ankles, thighs, calves, and spine
Stretches the shoulders and chest
Stimulates the abdominal organs, diaphragm, and heart
Reduces flat feet problem.
The pose helps to stimulate the diaphragm and the heart which provides the extra power for the entire body to work its magic.
The strength which drives this pose is in pelvis which helps to maintain that sitting position for a very long time.
This pose seems to be very simple but while doing this pose one gets benefited in so many ways. There is fervor in body due to this asana which helps to strengthen it even more. Overall body strength is boosted with this asana. The pelvis opens up helping with spine and back.
Women suffering from menstrual cramping are provided a relief by doing this asana. The lower body muscles gets toned and entire muscle structure gets a proper shape due to the stress and pressure applied. The butts which look extra big due to the fat which is accumulated is also cleared, giving it proper shape.
It is very good for digestion and other problems faced in immune system. The constant suffering from arthritis of the knees can be treated by regularly performing this pose.
Stiff body achieves flexibility in the ankles as well as toes.
It also helps in relieving pains at the joints. Sciatica pain gets proper care by doing this asana.
It also helps liver, intestines and pancreas which get a good massage to work more efficiently.
