3 Positions That Have Proven Mental and Physical Health Benefits

Yoga seems to have become the buzz word over the last few years. What was once for the few, is now for the many. What we do at Luna is focus on using yoga for your mental and physical health.

Here we are going to explore 4 poses/positions that can help with all aspects of health and give you that starting ground to really start exploring yoga.

Inverted Straddle – The “inverted straddle” in yoga refers to a pose that combines elements of both inversion and straddle (or wide-legged) positions.

Potential benefits of the inverted straddle pose include:

1. Improved circulation – Being an inversion, this pose encourages blood flow to the upper body and head, which can have various health benefits including improved circulation reduced swelling in the legs.
2. Strengthening – This pose engages and strengthens the core, arms, and shoulders as you support your body weight while inverted.
3. Stretching – It provides a deep stretch to the inner thighs, groin and hamstrings, helping to increase flexibility in these areas.
4. Relaxation – Inversions are known to have a calming effect on the nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing stress.
5. Digestive Health – Some practitioners believe that inversions can aid in digestion by stimulating the organs in the abdomen.

Genevieve – This pole position, focuses solely on strength and using the pole for yoga.

Potential Benefits of pole-related yoga poses:

1. Strength Building: Pole-related poses often require significant strength, particularly in the arm, shoulders, core, and legs. These poses can help build muscle strength and endurance over time.
2. Flexibility – Many pole-related poses involve stretching and elongating the body, which can contribute to improved flexibility and range of motion.
3. Balance and Coordination – Balancing on or around a pole challenges preconception (awareness of body position) and coordination which can enhance balance and motor skills.
4. Body Awareness – It can help increase body awareness as practitioners learn to engage specific muscles and control their movements in various positions.
5. Confidence and Self Expression – Most importantly, it can be empowering and provide an opportunity for self-expression. As people master new poses and movements, they may experience increase confidence and a sense of achievement.

Mermaid – The mermaid pose, also known as Eka Pda Rajakapotasana in Sanskrit, is a deep hip-opening yoga posture that combines elements of flexibility, strength and balance.

Potential Benefits of this pose –

1. Improves Balance and Concentration – Balancing in the mermaid pose requires focus and concentration, which can help to quiet the mind and cultivate mindfulness. By training the mind to stay present, people can enhance their overall sense of balance and mental clarity.
2. Emotional Release – Hip-opening yoga poses like the mermaid pose are often associated with the release of stored tension and emotions. As you breathe deeply into the pose and surrender to the sensations in the hips, you may experience a sense of emotional release and catharsis.

To conclude, most yoga poses/positions have some form of benefit to your physical and mental health. It’s about how you go on to apply this to your every day life. Here at Luna, we’re all about the empowerment of the south through pole and yoga.

Come along to one our classes, and try for yourself.