Vajrasana

Unlock the Power of Vajrasana: Discover the Benefits of this Ancient Yoga Pose 

Namaste,

Welcome to Vajrasana: The Thunderbolt Pose. Enter the serene world of yoga practice and embrace the stability of Vajrasana. As the Thunderbolt Pose, Vajrasana stands as a pillar of strength and groundedness in the realm of asanas. Rooted in tradition and revered for its poise, Vajrasana embodies the essence of stability and mindfulness. Join us on this enriching journey as we delve into the virtues and the grounding presence encapsulated within Vajrasana.

     In our previous posts, we came across two wonderful meditation postures/yoga postures (Sukhasana, Siddhasana). Through this post, we will try to know about another important meditation and yoga posture which we know as “Vajrasana”.

"Vajrasana, or Thunderbolt Pose, is a simple yet powerful yoga posture that can improve digestion and relieve stress. Learn how to practice Vajrasana safely and effectively with our step-by-step guide and experience the benefits for yourself."

Vajra means Strong. That is why its name is Vajrasana because by doing it the body becomes strong and stable. This asana is called Vajrasana because it gives digestive power, semen power, and nervous power. This is the only asana, which can be done even after meals. Its practice helps in increasing digestive power. Gastric fire is ignited, and abdominal air disorders are removed. The spine and shoulders are straight and blood circulation in the body is done properly. It also strengthens the muscles of the legs. Also, there is no problem with gas and constipation.

These are meditative postures. Removes the restlessness of the mind. This is the only asana to be done after a meal.

Vajrasana

How to do Vajrasana

• Bend your legs and sit on your knees. Pull the toes of your feet backward. Keep them together and keep both toes touching each other.
• Slowly lower your body in such a way that your hips rest on your ankles. While your thighs will rest on your calf muscles.
• Keep both your hands on your knees, keep your head straight, and your gaze straight ahead.
• Keep your attention focused on the movement of the breath. Take full care of how you are breathing. Maintain equal focus on breathing in and out.
• Close your eyes and pay attention to the movement of your breath. Slowly try to take your mind off everything else and focus only on the breath coming in and going out.
• You can practice this asana for at least 5 minutes in the beginning and for a maximum of 10 minutes. Once you get used to it, you can increase it to 30 minutes.

Benefits of Vajrasana

• The circulation of blood from Vajrasana remains towards the navel center. Due to this, the digestive power increases, and diseases related to the stomach also start to go away.

• Vajrasana is also useful for women. This can get rid of menstrual problems.

• Sleeping immediately after a heavy diet or sitting watching TV leads to digestion problems. In such a situation, if you include Vajrasana in your routine instead of watching TV or sleeping immediately after eating, then surely you will stay away from problems related to digestion.

• You can do Vajrasana at any time of the day, but this is the only asana that is very effective immediately after eating. It not only keeps the process of digestion right but also gives relief from lower back pain.

• Helpful in digestion During Vajrasana, maximum pressure is exerted on the middle part of the body. During this, there is slight pressure on the stomach and intestines, due to which the problem of constipation is removed and digestion is fine.

• Freedom from stress In the pose of Vajrasana, the tension of the muscles of the waist and legs is removed and the joints open.

• After walking a lot or standing for a long time, you will feel relaxed with the help of this asana. Keeps away from diseases. 

• Regular practice of Vajrasana is helpful in keeping away from diseases like varicose veins, joint pain, and arthritis. Apart from this, this asana is also helpful in problems related to muscles.

• Breathing exercise. The process of deep breathing and exhalation during this asana is helpful in removing problems related to breathing. Regular practice of this asana is beneficial in the respiratory process.

• Helpful loss Regular practice of Vajrasana helps in weight loss. It keeps the body's metabolism right and makes the muscles flexible, so if you want a good figure, then practice this asana.

• With this posture, the digestive system remains smooth and other diseases of the stomach also go away.

Vajrasana Pose

Scientific Evidence of Vajrasana: Thunderbolt Pose

Vajrasana, also known as the Thunderbolt Pose, is a fundamental asana in the practice of yoga. A study conducted on 100 people with type 2 diabetes showed that Vajrasana might effectively lower the sugar level in patients with diabetes mellitus ↂ. Another study conducted on 12 patients concluded that yogic procedures, including Vajrasana, helped reduce discomfort for people with lower back pain ↂ. 

Here are some of the benefits of Vajrasana supported by scientific studies:

1. Reduces blood sugar levels: Vajrasana has been shown to effectively lower the sugar level in patients with diabetes mellitus ↂ.
2. Relieves lower back pain: Vajrasana has been shown to reduce discomfort for people with lower back pain ↂ.
3. Improves digestion: Vajrasana can help enhance blood circulation in the lower abdomen, improving digestion ↂ.
4. Strengthens the legs and thighs: Vajrasana can help strengthen the nerves of the legs and thighs ↂ.
5. Improves posture: Vajrasana can help keep the neck and spine aligned and erect, without much effort, enabling easy energy flow in the nadis (energy channels) in the back ↂ.
6. Relieves menstrual discomfort: Vajrasana can help relax the waist and hip region, providing relief during menstrual pain ↂ.

In summary, Vajrasana has numerous benefits for physical and mental health, including reduced blood sugar levels, relief from lower back pain, improved digestion, strengthened legs and thighs, improved posture, and relief from menstrual discomfort. Scientific studies have shown that Vajrasana can help improve overall health and well-being.

Things to keep in mind while doing Vajrasana

• People who have joint pain or arthritis problem should not do this asana. Those who have weak knees, who have rheumatism, or whose bones are weak, those people should not do Vajrasana.

• Keep both hands on the knees. Don't lean back too much. Keep the body straight so that balance is maintained.

• Leave the hands and body completely loose and close your eyes for some time.

• Keep your attention on the breath. Slowly your mind will also become calm.

• One should sit in this asana for five minutes, especially after a meal.

• Newcomers will get so much stretch in the knees, thighs, and ankles that they will be afraid to do this asana. But gradually after some time such people also start doing Vajrasana easily.

• In Vajrasana, if there is excessive stretching and tension in the legs or ankles, then sit with both legs spread in front and move the legs alternately up and down from the knees.

Conclusion

Vajrasana: The Thunderbolt Pose, embodies an unwavering sense of stability and tranquility throughout the yogic journey. As practitioners immerse themselves in this revered posture, they uncover the power of stillness and rootedness that it bestows. It serves as a reminder to remain grounded amidst life's fluctuations, fostering a connection with the earth and one's inner self. May the practice of Vajrasana infuse your being with strength, balance, and a profound sense of centeredness, guiding you towards harmony and inner peace.