Yoga has been around for centuries and is known for its magical benefits. The yoga asanas not only affect our body posture but also a great exercise to improve digestion, lose calories and make our muscles strong. Yoga is promising for our overall health for the long term and there’s no doubt about it!
One of the most important postures in yoga is Ashwini Mudra which is a beneficial yoga asana and practising it regularly may help you in so many ways! It is an easy practice that works by stimulating the inactive energy which lies in the perineum. Wanna know what is Ashwini Mudra- the magical yoga asana?
Continue reading the article to know more about Ashwini Mudra!
Also read: Yoga For Weight Loss
What is Ashwini Mudra?
‘Ashwini’ comes from the Sanskrit term ‘Ashwa’ meaning horse and ‘Mudra’ which typically means a pose or gesture. A horse is a powerful animal in terms of strength and it usually contracts anal muscles after removing stool and many times in a day. This practice makes the horse hold and pulls energy up rather than making it flow down. It is a type of Mana Mudra where the anal muscle is contracted rhythmically to strengthen the pelvic organs such as bladder, uterus, vagina, cervix and rectum.
Also read: Yoga Poses For Hormonal Balance
When the anal sphincter muscle is contracted, the flow of energy is reversed. It’s like exerting pressure at the lower end of the pipe to pull the water upwards. This position is a wonderful way to stimulate calmness and boost sexual energy and performance. Although, there are several other benefits of Ashwini mudra.
Benefits of Practising Ashwini Mudra
Practising Ashwini Mudra is quite simple and it doesn’t involve any complicated yoga poses that you can’t do. It is actually very easy and beneficial for your health. When you practise it, you will see many benefits in your mind and your sexual organs. To know why this asana is so powerful and beneficial, read the following benefits:
Also read: Benifits of Pranayama
1. Slows Down Ageing
Ashwini Mudra is considered a promising asana for slowing down the ageing process. When you practise Ashwini Mudra, the level of blood oxygen goes up, as a result, the ageing process slows down. Blood oxygen is vital for our body for overall well being and performing this mudra may help you stay fit and healthy. The signs of ageing such as wrinkles and grey hair.
2. Cures Piles
Ashwini Yoga for piles can be effective. Ashwini Mudra can be very helpful in curing piles as it activates the lazy abdomen and gets rid of excess fat that can become an obstacle to pass stool. It strengthens your lower abdominal muscles and acts as an effective way to get rid of piles and other digestive ailments like constipation. It also strengthens the rectum and large intestine so the stool can pass easily without any blood.
3. Improves Digestive Health
Ashwini mudra is one of the best yoga poses to boost your digestive health. It helps you get rid of digestive ailments like constipation. It does so by pumping up the prana to the internal organs to make them immune to the diseases and makes them stronger. However, if you have any serious health condition, you should consider talking to your doctor before practising this asana.
4. Boosts Sexual Health
Ashwini mudra involved the contraction and relaxation of pelvic muscles, perineum, sphincter and whole pelvic region. If practised regularly, this asana can help you strengthen the sex muscles a bringing in more energy and stamina. It also helps in providing proper blood circulation in the pelvic region which can boost sexual pleasure.
5. Strengthens Uterus Muscles
Strong core muscles of the uterus are very important, especially if you want to conceive a baby or are pregnant. The uterus is where a fetus develops and it is important to keep the uterus muscles strong even if you menstruate. Ashwini mudra, when practised with Mul Bandha, can strengthen the muscles and helps in relieving any health condition related to the uterus.
6. Helps you Relax
Ashwini mudra may help your body in relieving stress and depression due to work, health issues, insecurities, societal and family issues. It helps in the proper functioning of the Adrenal gland which releases cortisol, the stress controlling hormone, alleviating stress and depression.
Also read: Breathing Exercises For Anxiety
How to do Ashwini Mudra?
You now know what is Ashwini Mudra and how it is beneficial for your overall health. It is recommended to perform Ashwini Mudra regularly for achieving the results you are looking for. Ashwini mudra is easy to do and even if you are a beginner you can perform it too and master it easily and perform it without breaking a sweat. Here’s how to practise this asana:
- Come in a seated position and take a few deep breaths to fill the air in your stomach. Channelise all your energies and meditate to align the seven chakras of your body.
- Relax your body in the same posture and breathe normally to stimulate the blood flow.
- Slowly ease your body and contract the anal sphincter and hold it for ten seconds.
- Now, ease your body to the previous position and release the anal muscles.
- Breathe normally for a few seconds.
- Repeat this exercise until you are comfortable enough.
Precautions:
- If you are pregnant, you should avoid holding breath during this practice and it is advised to do it under the presence of a yoga expert.
- If you had recent abdominal surgery, it is advised not to perform this asana.
- Don’t hold or contract anus muscles when you feel your bowel is full of stool or gas.
- Ashwini Mudra should be done while sitting, lying or standing pose and not while walking.
Performing this asana might be a little tough if you are a beginner or have any health issue but once you master it, you will realise how easy it is to practise. Ashwani Mudra should be done at least 20-30 times a day while sitting or lying down. If you have any serious disease, you should consider talking to your doctor before practising or practise it under the advice of a yoga teacher.
Also read: Yoga Asanas For Weight Loss