Lotus Yoga Posture - Padmasana
Lotus Yoga Posture- Padmasana
pronounced (pod-MAHS-anna)
How to Practice the Lotus Yoga Position:
1. Sit on the floor with your shoulders down, legs crossed, and your spine long and extended.
2. Take your right foot and place your ankle along the inside of your left thigh. It should rest in the crease and your soul should face upwards
3. Take your left foot and place your ankle along the crease of your right thigh. Your left soul should also face upwards.
4. Place your hands on the floor beside your body for support. You are now in the lotus yoga position.
5. Repeat, switching placing the bottom foot on top and vice-versa.
Benefits of Practicing the Lotus Yoga Posture:
The most famous of all the hatha yoga postures, the lotus yoga position is also one of the most difficult. It is traditionally used for meditation or breathing exercises. It stretches the ankles, the knees, and is said to help ease childbirth pains if practiced throughout pregnancy.
Lotus Yoga Pose Modifications for Beginners
Beginners should try the half lotus position, attempting only one side of the pose and then switching sides.
Lotus Yoga Posture Modifications for the Advanced Yogi Practitioner
An even more advanced yoga pose is the scale pose. Place hands on the floor outside the thighs. Slowly and carefully lift your thighs and buttocks off the floor. Hold for three to five breaths and release.
Lotus Yoga Posse Variations
To make this yoga posture more comfortable, you can place a folded blanket or a cushion in order to elevate your hips above the knees. Bring your knees close together to feel a deep stretch. You can place your palms outward, resting on your knee, with your thumbs and first fingers touching instead of placing hands on the floor.
Cautions for Practicing the Lotus Yoga Posture
This is an advanced yoga posture and is not meant to be practiced without consulting a yoga instructor. If you are learning from home, practice the half lotus position. The lotus yoga position is not for those suffering from ankle or knee injuries.