Swastikasana - Auspicious Posture - B.K.S. Iyengar Yoga

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Swastikasana

In this asana one leg is placed on another in a peculiar way and then the position is stabilized. Since ancient times this Swastika is considered as auspicious symbol and this asana tries to attain the shape of swastika with legs placed on each other.

How To

1. Sit down on the floor.
2. Stretch out both legs together.
3. Keep your hands by the side of the body and rest your palms on the floor keeping the fingers together and pointing forward.
4. Fold one of your legs at the knees and place it against the joint of the other thigh.
5. Similarly, fold the other leg and put it near the joint of the other thigh.
6. Place both the hands on the knees in Gyan Mudra
7. Return to the original position by first stretching your right leg and then the left.
8. Keep both the legs together.

Benefits

• It increases balance in body and mind.
• It helps to maintain normal body temperature.
• It tones the abdominal muscles.
• It improves the strength of the backbone.
• It tones the sciatic nerve. 

Caution

• You should sit straight and your supine should be erect to avoid back injury.
• The soles of the feet should be between the thigh and the calf muscles to avoid calf and hamstring injury. 
Do not bend the legs in knees.
• Do not take the legs over your head in the position, but you can take the legs over your head while taking & releasing the position.
• Do not move the neck while in the position.
• Do not keep the legs and back in one straight line as in Sarvangasana (Shoulder stand).

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