The Effects of Asanas

From Yoga

Some asanas are heating and invigorating while others have a cooling and calming effect. A yoga session combines asanas from both groups; usually the energizing poses are practised in the middle of the session, and the cooling poses follow and close the session.

Energizing Asanas

It is usually difficult for beginners to stay in these poses for a long time; they require a lot of effort.

Examples:

• standing poses: warrior poses (Virabhadrasana I, II, III)
• backbends: upward facing dog (Urdhva Mukha Svanasana), Urdhva Dhanurasana.

Calming Asanas

Asanas with a forward bend, head down, have a cooling and calming effect. Even for beginners it is easier to stay in these poses for a longer time, with normal breathing.

Examples:

• standing poses: Parsvottanasana (the last stage, when head rests on the leg), Prasarita Padottanasana (last stage, head supported), Uttanasana (head down).
• forward bends: Pascimottanasana

Asanas where the chin is close to (or touches) the sternum also have a calming effect.

Examples:

• inverted poses: Salamba Sarvangasana, Halasana

When calming asanas do not have a calming effect

In order to experience the calming effects of some asanas, a longer practice is needed. The pose has to be mastered to such an extent that it becomes comfortable.

If the stretching of the legs is too intense, and the head is not supported, you will not experience the calming effects - these will come when you are able to relax in the pose.