Pavanamuktasana yoga benefits and poses

The Sanskrit term Pavanamuktasana is made up of three words: ‘Pavana’ meaning ‘wind’; ‘Mukta’ meaning ‘release’ and ‘Asana’ which connotes the respective yogic posture. It is therefore known as the ‘Wind-releasing posture’. In this posture, the practitioner massages the digestive organs and releases the excess wind from the intestines and the stomach.

Methodology

• Remain flat on your back.
• Your arms will be stretched out on your sides.
• The palms will be turned downwards.
• The legs will be folded back.
• Place your feet flat on the ground.
• Take a deep breath slowly.
• Do the following movements as you exhale.
• The feet will have to be drawn inwards.
• Fold your legs against the heels.
• The knees will have to be brought towards the chest.
• Press down the palms on the floor.
• Raise the shoulders and the head off the floor.
• Once again press down the palms against the floor.
• Lift up your buttocks and hips.
• Move your knees further near the chest.
• Your knees and feet will have to be kept together.
• But don’t lower the head.
• Embrace your folded legs below the knees with your folded arms.
• Exhale and press down the knees together atop the chest.
• Without lowering the head keep together your feet and knees.
• Hold on to your breath and remain in this position for approximately five seconds.
• Exhale completely.
• Once again inhale and bring slowly rest your head on the ground.
• Simultaneously relax the pressure of your arms on the legs.
• However, your arms should keep on folding the legs just below the knees.
• Slowly stretch out your legs as well as the arms.
• Remain relaxed!

Advantages

• Any one at any age can enjoy the benefits arising from regular practising of this asana.
• Pavanamuktasana can be practised by people in their advanced ages as well.
• Flatulence is cured as the gas – the main target of this posture – is automatically released.
• That confined gas is pressed out via your ano-rectal passage.
• The accumulated wind especially in your abdomen and the colon will be effectively brought out.