Yoga

The physical aspect of yoga, the asanas, has been much popularized in the West, and devoted celebrity practitioners like Madonna and Sting have contributed to the increased visibility of the practice.

Physically, of the practice of asanas is considered that it improves: muscle flexibility, tendon strength, stamina, health and internal functioning of the body.

The emphasis on the physical part has given rise to the perception that yoga consists only of asana practice. A more esoteric intention is to facilitate the flow of prana (vital energy; qi in Chinese; ki in Japanese) to aid in balancing the koshas (sheaths) of the physical and metaphysical body.

Depending on the level of mastery, the practitioner of asanas is supposed to achieve many supernatural abilities. For instance, a yogi who has mastered Mayurasana will not be affected by eating any poison.

In the Yoga Sutra, Patanjali suggests that the only requirement for practicing asanas is that it be "steady and comfortable". The body is held poised, and relaxed, with the practitioner experiencing no discomfort.

When control of the body is mastered, practitioners free themselves from the duality of heat/cold, hunger/satiety, joy/grief, which is the first step toward the unattachment that relieves suffering. This non-dualistic perspective comes from the Sankya school of the Himalayan Masters.

Students in Utthita Ashwa Sanchalanasana (High lunge) Listed below are traditional practices for performing asana:

A glass of fresh water should be taken before performing asanas.

The stomach should be relatively empty.

Force or pressure should not be used, and the body should not tremble.

Lower the head and other parts of the body slowly; in particular, raised heels should be lowered slowly.

The breathing should be controlled. The benefits of asanas increase if the specific pranayama to the yoga type is performed.

If the body is stressed, perform Corpse Pose or Child Pose.

Some claim that asanas, especially inverted poses, are to be avoided during menstruation. Others deny this view.

Nowadays, asanas are generally not performed on floor, but on Yoga mats instead.