What is Kurmasana
Kurmasana This asana looks like a tortoise that’s why it is called tortoise pose. In Sanskrit ‘kurma’ means tortoise that’s why it is called kurmasana also.
Also Know as: Tortoise Posture, Kachhua or Kachua Asan, Kurm Asan, Karma Asana
How to start this Asana
- From staff posture (Dandasana) , spread the legs out as wide as comfortable.
- Bend both knees and slide the arms under the knees.
- Rock back and forth to slide the arms further under the legs and to bring the arms behind your back with the palms facing down.
- Begin to straighten the legs, pressing out through the heels, using the legs to pull the shoulders down to the floor.
- Let the head hang, or bring the chin or forehead to the floor.
- Take breath in, and maintain this position for about half to one minute.
How to end this Asana
- To release, slowly bend the knees and rock the hips to gently slide the arms from under the legs.
Video Tutorial
Benefits of Kurmasana
According to research, this Asana is helpful as per below(YR/1)
- Tortoise opens the hips and stretches the legs, back, and shoulders.
- This posture draws the focus of the mind inward and promotes surrender, inner security and tranquility.
Precaution to be taken before doing Kurmasana
As per several scientific studies, precautions need to be taken in diseases mentioned as per below(YR/2)
- Not for the persons who have recent or chronic injury to the hips, arms or shoulders.
So, consult your doctor if you have any of the problem mentioned above.
Histroy and scientific base of Yoga
Due to the oral transmission of sacred writings and the secrecy of its teachings, yoga’s past is riddled with mystery and confusion. Early yoga literature were recorded on delicate palm leaves. So it was easily damaged, destroyed, or lost. Yoga’s origins may be dated back over 5,000 years. However other academics believe it could be as old as 10,000 years. Yoga’s lengthy and illustrious history may be split into four distinct periods of growth, practise, and invention.
- Pre Classical Yoga
- Classical Yoga
- Post Classical Yoga
- Modern Yoga
Yoga is a psychological science with philosophical overtones. Patanjali begins his Yoga method by instructing that the mind must be regulated – Yogahs-chitta-vritti-nirodhah. Patanjali does not delve into the intellectual underpinnings of the need to regulate one’s mind, which are found in Samkhya and Vedanta. Yoga, he continues, is the regulation of the mind, the constraint of the thought-stuff. Yoga is a science based on personal experience. The most essential advantage of yoga is that it helps us to maintain a healthy bodily and mental state.
Yoga can help to slow down the ageing process. Since aging starts mostly by autointoxication or self-poisoning. So, we can considerably limit the catabolic process of cell degeneration by keeping the body clean, flexible, and properly lubricated. Yogasanas, pranayama, and meditation must all be combined to reap the full advantages of yoga.
SUMMARY
Kurmasana is helpful in increase flexibility of muscles, improves shape of the body, reduce mental stress, as well improves overall health.
