“Virabhadra” is the name of a fierce warrior in Indian mythology
Step your feet about 1 leg width apart (about 3.5 feet). Turn out the right foot 90º so the toes point toward the right. Keep left foot pointing forward. Bend the right knee so the thigh is parallel to the floor. Keep the knee over the ankle. The left leg remains straight. Push the outer edge of the left foot towards the ground. Bring the arms up to shoulder height with fingertips pointing away from each other to opposite directions – left and right.
Turn your head and gaze over the right hand. Keep the shoulders away from the ears, bring power into your stance to support the legs, and sink lower into the bent knee. Tuck your tailbone under so it is in line with the rest of your spine. Your hips are facing forward and the right knee is opening out to be in line with your baby toe. Repeat posture on the other side. Hold for a minute or more on each side.
* Strengthens the legs and ankles
* Stretches the hips
* Opens chest and lungs
* strengthens the shoulders
* Increases stamina
Book Review: “Patanjali and Ayurvedic Yoga” by Vinod Verma
“Yoga” means union of the body and mind through the breath or spirit. It has eight limbs: Restraint (not killing, not stealing, not lying, etc.), yogic postures, expansion of vital energy through breathing exercises, sense withdrawal, focus, contemplation, and meditation.
“Ayurveda” is the science of life in ancient India. It categorizes body types into three: Kepha (heavy, slow), Pitta (energetic), and Vatta (light, subtle, quick). Ayurveda instructs a specific diet, activity level, and sleep pattern to correct imbalances for each body type.
Both Yoga and the science of Ayurveda are concerned with the body. The body in Eastern tradition is the totality of the physical being which the soul inhabits. While yoga contains elements of philosophy and spirituality, Ayurveda is concerned only with the material and social aspects of health.
Noha Sayed Alahl is a certified Hatha Yoga teacher and has been practicing Yoga since 2002.