How Many Basic Yoga Asanas Are There?

If you want to learn and practice yoga, then it makes sense to delve into the background first. Yoga is not just a fitness discipline, but much more than that. Asanas are what others relate it with. And, it is also one of the first things that you see. Asanas mainly help in maintenance of the physical body. It is one of the limbs of the Ashtanga Limb theory. Patanjali is credited with laying down the rules for the same. There are at least 84 asanas in Hatha Yoga, but you may learn them slowly as you navigate from one level to the other. The yoga teacher training rishikesh can be a life-changing event for you, where you will learn about various asanas in great detail.

To begin with, you can start with the 12 basic ones. Let us find out more about them.

The Basic Asanas – Yoga Teacher Training Rishikesh

Most people have an idea that asanas are about stretching. However, it is not so. They also help in the elongation of the muscles and bones in the body. Asanas also unblock chakras, so that energy can pass through them very easily. Asanas also stimulate the circulatory system and the immune system of the body. Here are the 12 basic asanas, which every beginner should master, before venturing forward with more advanced practices.

• Sirsasana – This is the first one in the series of basic asanas. It is also quite popular as headstand. You have to support the entire weight of your body on your arms, elbows, and the head, in this asana. If you want to give a jumpstart to your yoga practice, then this is what you need to start with. This asana is extremely useful in increasing your focus and concentration. It also improves the memory. If you practice this asana on a regular basis, then your heart rate and rate of respiration will become slower and slower. It may seem to be very difficult in the beginning, but you just need some practice to do it properly. This asana has the power to rejuvenate the entire body.
• Sarvangasana – This is the next asana that comes after Sirsasana. You can also call it the shoulder stand. In this pose, the entire body rests on the shoulders. This is another inverted pose, which gives a lot of stability and strength to the entire body. It directs the blood circulation towards the Thyroid gland, instead of the head. If your Thyroid glands work at optimum levels, your endocrine system also works well. So, there will be no hormonal imbalance within the body. You will also be cleared of depression and will remain happy. Its main function is to stretch the thoracic and cervical region.
• Halasana – This is another one of the basic poses, that every beginner should learn and master. In this pose, you have to lie with your back flat on the ground, with hands by the side, and fold the legs forward over the head, to touch the floor. It is an invigorating asana, which gives a proper massage to the spine. It also loosens the hamstring muscles. In this asana, the body resembles the structure of a plough. You can join the 200 hour yoga teacher training in rishikesh to master the intricacies of the asana. This asana aims at increasing the flexibility of the spine.
• Matsyasana – This is the next one in the series of basic poses. In this asana, you have to lie on your back, and arch the chest, to create a hollow beneath. The asanas resemble the posture of a fish. The asana gives a good massage to the muscles of the neck and the back area. The asana also has many mental benefits. It basically opens up the chest area, and makes you more accepting.
• Paschimottasana – It is the seated forward bending pose, that everybody is familiar with. The forward bending asana is extremely simple to look at. However, you have to prepare beforehand, so that you can do it comfortably. If you practice the posture regularly, you will be able to correct problems of the spine, which is common for all who work at desks.
• Bhujangasana – This is another basic asana, that you can do today. It is the first in the series of back bending asanas. When you have perfected the pose, the look of the pose is that of a cobra snake, ready to strike. When you arch the back, the spinal flexibility increases and you get to relax the spine. It also gives a very powerful backward stretching motion to the body.
• Salabhasana – It is another important basic pose, that every beginner should practice and master. It is one of the asanas which require a lot of will power. It is also different from the other asanas, in approach. You can do all the asanas slowly and develop strength and stamina. However, this is one pose, in which you have to take on the pose of a locust, in one single thrust. The pancreas, kidney, and the liver get a thorough massage in this asana. It also opens up the chest and increase blood supply to the throat and the neck area. The most learned teachers will help you to master the asana with some practice at the yoga teacher training rishikesh
• Dhanurasana – It is also quite popular as the bow pose. It works on all parts of the body. Moreover, it helps to lose fat from the abdomen area. The body mainly rests on the abdomen in this asana. You actually practice the locust and the cobras pose together in the asana. The full back bend invigorates the back muscles.
• Ardha Matsyendrasana – Also called the half-spinal twist, this is a lateral stretch asana, that balances the forward bends and backward bends. Moreover, it is great for relieving lower back pain and rheumatic pain as well. The vertebra also receives a good twist in either direction. Additionally, all the pelvic organs and abdominal organs get a good massage. You will also get rid of stomach ailments and digestive issues.
• Kakasana – It is also called the Crow pose. It is one of the most beneficial arm balance poses, which you may need some time to master. The asana has the power to increase the mental and physical stamina. Your arms, wrists, and shoulders also gain a lot of strength. You can also improve your power of concentration through this asana.
• Padahasthasana – It is a hand to foot pose, where you fold the body from the hip joint to touch the toes. It is often regarded as the asana, that serves as the elixir of youth. The muscles and ligaments of the entire body get elongated in this asana. Your spine also increases in length and the blood supply throughout the body also improves.
• Trikonasana – This asana or pose takes on the form of a triangle, hence the name. You can get a good sideward stretch in this asana, and the spine also becomes supple. Your balance will also improve manifold, if you practice this on a regular basis. The last of the basic poses can give you lots of benefits.

When you enrol in the 200 hour yoga teacher training in rishikesh, you will get the best asana knowledge from the school. The best one where you can experience the same is Hari Om Yoga Vidya School. So, without any delay, if you want to set your body and mind in motion, go for the sessions.