| The Lotus - (Padmasana) | | | | The posture creates a natural balance throughout the |
| Years of consistent effort may be needed to make | | | | body and the mind. When the knees and ankles are |
| this advanced posture feasible. | | | | stretched enough to remain in the Lotus without |
| In a Sanskrit language 'Padma' means 'Lotus' and in this | | | | discomfort, the posture creates a feeling of |
| posture the position of the legs look like a blooming | | | | effortlessness. As the body becomes steady the mind |
| lotus, hence the name. The position of the crossed | | | | becomes calm. |
| legs and the erect back keeps the mind alert and | | | | The Lotus is a beautiful posture with lots of benefits. |
| attentive, which is why the Lotus posture has been | | | | However, in some health conditions this posture should |
| given a great importance in yoga practice as it is best | | | | not be practiced. |
| suited for concentration and meditation. | | | | Three important reasons not to do Lotus posture: |
| The Lotus is a wonderful yoga posture but it is not | | | | 1) If you have weak or injured knees avoid doing this |
| practical for most Westerners as a meditative posture. | | | | posture as it places lots of stress on the knees. |
| It places a lot of stress on the knee and hip joints, and | | | | 2) If you suffer from sciatica do not attempt this |
| should be approached with caution, mostly by the | | | | posture. |
| novices. | | | | 3) In case of ankle injury do not practice this posture. |
| The Lotus stimulates the pelvis, spine, abdomen, and | | | | Caution: Always check with your doctor if you have |
| the bladder. The sacral nerves are tones as the flow | | | | any doubts or concerns regarding the suitability of this |
| of blood to the legs is redirected to the abdominal | | | | posture for you. It is best to perform this yoga posture |
| area, stimulating the digestive process. It applies | | | | in presence of a qualified yoga teacher. |
| pressure to the lower spine which has a relaxing | | | | Issued in the interest of people practicing Hatha Yoga |
| effect on the nervous system. | | | | by Subodh Gupta, Yoga Expert based in London. |