Yoga For Healing

 My journey towards self healing with yoga began in 1996.  I was already familiar with the practice, but struggled to implement it in my life as a daily practice.  I first started to attend yoga classes at my university, and developed a deep love for the practice. I continue to practice yoga till this day, though at certain points of my life I practiced not so regularly. 


There are certain asanas (or postures) that I naturally gravitate towards that have amazing benefits for the mind and body.  Yoga can be used to heal a number of ailments in the body, and is great  way to relieve stress and anxiety. Certain asanas are known to  even retain beauty. 


Regular yoga practice strengthens the internal organs such as the liver, spleen, pancreas, intestines, heart, lungs, brain, endocrine system, pituitary glands, pineal glands, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenals, and gonads within the sexual organs as well.  Asanas also help to build a strong nervous system.


The power of practicing yoga is endless. The daily practice of yoga (even as little as fifteen minutes a day) will increase energy levels, improve muscular strength, enhance mood,  and prolong life. Yoga asanas will also bestow upon the practitioner physical, intellectual, spiritual strength and power (whether you are seeking this or not). 


In this article I will go through a number of poses that I do on a regular basis, and individually explain some of their benefits.

1. Chakrasana or Wheel Pose
2. Pashimottasana or Seated Forward Bend
3. Padahastasana or Hand Under Foot Pose
4. Sarvangasana or Shoulder Stand
5. Bhujangasana or Cobra Pose
6. Halasana or Plow Pose
7. Shirshasana or Head Stand   

Chakrasana or Wheel Pose 

• This is a wonderful pose for those who are experiencing any gynecological issues. This asana is recommended for overall womb health, as it works to tone the muscles of the uterus and the ovaries. A good asana to practice if you are experiencing suppressed or scanty  menses, dysmenorrhoea, or leucorrhoea.

• Helps to retain the beauty of the bust even after childbirth.
• Tones the heart muscles
• Aids in developing back muscles, keeping the spine supple, and relieving any stiffness one might be experiencing in the back. 
• Helps motivate the mind, and combat laziness. 

Caution: This asana should be avoided during menstruation and pregnancy.


Paschimottasana or Seated Forward Pose

• Helps with myalgia and rheumatism
• Helps stimulate the mind
• Tones the muscles in the arms and strengthens legs
• Regulates the appetite and helps with problems in the abdominal region such as sluggishness of the liver, constipation and weak peristalsis.
• Recommended for those with diabetes

Caution: This asana should be avoided during menstruation and pregnancy


Padahastasana or Hand Under Foot Pose


The benefits are the same as Pashimottasana.

• Stimulates  the kidneys
• This Asana is recommended for those with anaemia 

Caution: This asana should be avoided during menstruation and pregnancy


Sarvangasana  or Shoulder Stand

• This asana really helps those experiencing insomnia 
• Helps with myalgia and rheumatism
• Prevents ossification and helps to retain youth
• Tones the ovaries and uterus.  
• Keeps the spine supple and elastic.  Prevents ossification of the vertebral bones and stiffness. 
• Aids in stimulating the mind
• Acts as a brain tonic
• Can be practiced if you are experiencing complaints of the eyes, ears, nose and salivary glands.
• Helps those with throat problems e.g tonsils, thyroid, and parathyroid

Caution: This should be practiced carefully if suffering from chronic nasal catarrh and congestion. It should also be avoided during your menstrual cycle and pregnancy.




Bhujangasana or Cobra Pose

• Insomnia 
• Tones the heart muscles
• Develops the bust
• Ensures a normal and easy delivery
• Tones the uterus 
• Helps regulate the menstrual cycle.  Good for dysmenorrhoea, leucorrhoea, suppressed or scanty menses.

Caution: This asana is to be avoided if there is considerable tenderness in the abdominal viscera especially when the spleen is enlarged.  This asana should be avoided during menstruation and pregnancy.


Halasana or Plow Pose

• Tones up and nourishes the nerves and muscles of thighs
• Tones the heart muscles
• Helps to retain youth
• Regulates the thyroid and parathyroid gland
• Helps with stiffness in the back and develops the back muscles. 

Caution: This asana should be started slowly without any jerks if the spine is stiff.  It should be avoided when you’re experiencing your menses or pregnant.


Shirshasana or Head Pose

• Purifies the blood and nerves
• Gives blood supply to the brain, and helps with memory loss. Acts as a brain tonic, and tones up the pineal and pituitary glands.
• Naturally slows down the process of the hair greying
• Great for wrinkles in the face
• Tones the ovaries and uterus

Caution: This asana should be avoided during your menses or pregnancy. People with the following ailments should avoid this asana:

1. ear aches
2. weak eye capillaries
3. weak heart
4. blood pressure above 150/100mm
5. serious nasal congestion
6. severe constipation

Please note that all yoga practices should be suspended when we are experiencing our monthly period or during pregnancy, with the exception of Shavasana (Corpse Pose).

​Yoga has a myriad of health benefits.  Take the time to explore different poses, and find out which ones are right for you. 

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