Why yoga poses are named after animals

Yoga is a practice that aims to bring physical, mental, and spiritual balance to one's life. Yoga postures, also known as asanas, are an essential part of yoga practice. Many yoga postures have been named after animals, and each of these poses has a unique set of benefits for the body and mind. In this article, we will explore why yoga poses are named after animals.

Ancient roots of Yoga Poses with Animal Names

The practice of yoga has been around for thousands of years, and it has evolved over time. The ancient sages who first developed yoga were deeply connected to nature and saw the connection between animals and humans. The sages observed the movements and behaviors of animals and incorporated these into the yoga postures, which led to the creation of animal-named yoga poses.

Connection with nature

The practice of yoga is rooted in the idea of connecting with nature, and naming poses after animals is a way to honor the natural world. It is believed that each animal has a unique energy, and by performing yoga poses named after animals, we can tap into this energy and bring it into our own practice.

Imitation of animal movements

Another reason why yoga poses are named after animals is that the postures are based on the movements and behavior of animals. For example, the cobra pose (Bhujangasana) is named after the cobra snake, which has a characteristic pose of lifting its head and chest off the ground. Similarly, the downward-facing dog pose (Adho Mukha Svanasana) imitates the stretch and movement of a dog when it wakes up in the morning.

Benefits of Animal Yoga Poses

Each animal-named yoga pose has unique benefits for the body and mind. Some of the most popular animal-named yoga poses and their benefits include:

  1. Downward-facing dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana): This pose helps to stretch and strengthen the entire body, including the arms, legs, and back. It also helps to calm the mind and relieve stress.
  2. Cobra pose (Bhujangasana): This pose helps to strengthen the muscles of the back and spine and improve posture. It also helps to open the chest and improve breathing.
  3. Cat-cow pose (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana): This pose helps to stretch and strengthen the spine, hips, and abdomen. It also helps to improve digestion and relieve stress.
  4. Eagle pose (Garudasana): This pose helps to improve balance and concentration and strengthens the legs and hips. It also helps to relieve tension in the shoulders and neck.
  5. Crow pose (Bakasana): This pose helps to strengthen the arms, wrists, and core muscles. It also helps to improve balance and concentration.

Conclusion

In conclusion, yoga poses named after animals are a way to connect with nature and bring its energy into our practice. These poses are based on the movements and behavior of animals, and each pose has unique benefits for the body and mind. Incorporating animal-named yoga poses into your practice can help to improve your physical and mental health, while also honoring the natural world. So, next time you practice yoga, try to connect with your inner animal and enjoy the benefits of these beautiful poses!

Source: Why yoga poses are named after animals

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