Complete Guide To Intermediate Yoga Poses

Yoga poses are of different levels. There are beginner's poses, intermediate yoga poses and advanced poses. Here, we shall talk about some of the intermediate yoga postures. However, before we get into the details of the postures (asana), it is important to understand the benefits of yoga and the difference it can make in today's stressful life.

Yoga not only cures diseases and disorders, but also promotes total health and peace of mind. It is a holistic method of healing and has calming effect on the senses.

The world health organization has defined health as "Health is a state of well-being - physical, mental and social; it is not a mere absence of disease or complaints." Health or well being depends on various activities and rest. If any one of these is excessive or meager, there is an imbalance, which leads to ill health. Yoga poses help in maintaining this physical and mental balance. Learn these poses through our instructions given below. They are very simple and can be practiced at home without any trainer.

Intermediate Yoga Poses

Bhujangasana (The Cobra Pose) - This asana is for the vertebral column and spinal cord. It is said that these two parts of our body are most important for health. The life of a person or age depends on the health of our spinal column. The cobra pose improves blood circulation in this area and maintains flexibility of the spinal cord. To get this posture right, you have to lie down on your stomach. The portion of the body from the toes to the umbilicus is on the floor and the portion of the body from the wait to the head is raised with the help of muscles of the back. Hence, the raised portion of the body looks like the raised hood of a cobra. Therefore, this asana is called Bhujangasana or Sarpasana. It is also known as Snake pose, Cobra pose, or Serpent pose.

Vajrasana (The Thunderbolt pose) - This posture improves blood circulation in the lower abdominal region and prevents rheumatic problems. This is not a yoga pose for kids; only adults should perform this asana. To get this posture right, sit on the floor in a comfortable position with the legs stretched out, keeping the hands by the side of the body. Keep the legs together and the palms near the buttocks. Fold both the legs at the knees. Now, place the foot below the buttocks such that the sole faces outwards. Do not lean, your spinal column should be erect. Keep the palms on your knees and hold on to the posture for few seconds or minutes. Another important thing to note is that your toes should touch each other below the buttock and the sole should face outward.

These are the two most important intermediate yoga poses. Although there are advanced yoga poses, but they should be practiced only under the guidance of a yoga teacher or trainer. If done incorrectly, the yoga poses and workouts can have dangerous effects on your system. If done wrongly, yoga can have ill effects.