Yoga and meditation are closely related though both are different. Both of them need concentration and open mind to relax. In this article, we will be discussing with you some effective Meditation Techniques and Muscle Relaxation Exercises. Starting with types of yoga, we will gradually come to the meditation techniques and muscle relaxation exercises.
BRANCHES OF YOGA
There are six branches of yoga,
HATHA YOGA
This branch designed to prime the body and mind.
RAJA YOGA
Most important branch that involves meditations and strict adherence to a series of disciplinary steps known as “Eight limbs” of yoga.
KARMA YOGA
It is the path of service that aims to create a future from negativity and selfishness.
BHAKTI YOGA
Masters of this branch of yoga having aim to establish the path of devotion, cultivate acceptance and tolerance (ultimate union with divine).
JNANA YOGA
This branch of yoga is about wisdom; the path of scholars, developing intellect through study.
TANTRA YOGA
This yoga is the pathway to rituals, ceremony or consummation of relationship.
To study more on yoga and its benefits click here.
MEDITATION TECHNIQUES AND MUSCLE RELAXATION EXERCISES
Yoga is holistic therapy in true sense because it understands the importance of our mental health. Meditation and relaxation techniques also work on damping down the Fight-To-Fight side of our nervous system
1- MUDRA- Meditation Techniques
Mudra is a symbolic sign, gesture or body position that allow us to direct the energy of the body in a specific way. Study shows that it’s a magical tool in “Rewiring” our brain’s stress response and also help us to manage the wide range of health conditions like chronic pain and depression.
2- ASANA- Muscle Relaxation Exercises
It is one of the eight limbs of classical yoga, which states that pose should be steady and comfortable; firm yet relaxed. It helps the practitioner to become more aware of their body, mind and surrounding. Some ASANS are described below,
SIRSASANA (HEADSTAND)- Meditation Technique
A technique in which you balance on your elbows, arms and head.
Being upside down brain draw abundant oxygen rich blood from heart. It enhances the working of hypo-campus (brain’s memory storing part). This meditation practice allow better energy to brain.
“Headstand is a PANACEA, a cure-all, a sovereign specific for all disease”.
Swami Sivananda
SARVANGASANA (SHOULDER-STAND)- Meditation Technique
It is an inverted pose in which body resting on shoulders.
In this technique chin is pressed against the throat because of thyroid glands are regulated; this gland in return balance all the glands of body. Shoulder-stand ensures healthy functioning of the body system and organs.
SARVA; Means complete.
HALASANA (PLOUGH)- Muscle Relaxation Exercise
A pose with hands and feet on the floor resembling the plough.
This technique tones and invigorates the spin, exaggerated the lower back curvature. One important thing it relives the problems like indigestion and constipation. In this pose abdominal muscles are messaged.
HALA is a SANSKRIT word means Plough.
MATSYASANA (FISH)- Meditation Technique
In this technique practitioner rest on arms by arching the back and expand the chest. This posture is just like a fish, by holding this pose feel to floating in water just like fish.
MATSYA; Means fish.
This pose heals the respiratory issues like chronic bronchitis Asthma etc, by increasing lung capacity. Remove stiffness from the cervical, thoracic or lumber region.
PASCIMOTTANASANA (SITTING FORWARD BEND)- Muscle Relaxation Exercise
Stretch your spines forward. Simple but most powerful and important posture.
It helps to erase the spinal compression caused by standing upright, continuous practice of this technique contribute greatly toward keeping back supple, joints mobile and nervous system invigorate. Also help in controlling diabetics by giving natural message to pancreas.
PASCIMA; Means west( back of body)
UTTANA; Means stretched out.
BHUJANGASANA (COBRA)- Meditation Technique
Arching the upper body by expanding the chest.
This is the first of the backward bending poses in the series. The arching of spine in this posture increase flexibility, rejuvenates spinal nerves and bring a rich blood supply to spine. Strengthen the neck and upper body
SPECIALTY
This pose is especially beneficial for ladies as it regulates menstrual problems by exerting pressure on pelvic organs.
Author’s Insights
Meditation Technique is a simple strategy that can assist obtain higher fitness and a happier life. It takes time to master, as does any other skill. If someone sticks with it and is willing to experiment with the exceptional methods, they’re much more likely to find out a meditation fashion that fits them.
