Ανατομία και ευθυγράμμιση στα μαθήματα γιόγκα

Η σελίδα στα Ελληνικά είναι υπό κατασκευή.

by Maja Zilih

I have been taught the principles and techniques of physical alignment in yoga by various teachers certified, experienced or inspired by Anusara Yoga School. Even though the principles are initially applied to the body, their effect far exceeds the physical realm. By defining the 3 As (attitude, alignment and action), Anusara Yoga ultimately aligns with the Divine, whether this is interpreted as the spirit, being, god, higher self or consciousness. The alignment serves the purpose of opening, and allowing the higher knowledge - that of our graceful and blissful true nature - to come in.

These principles make yoga postures easier to perform and they have allowed me to experience an amazing feeling of liberation even in postures that I had previously thought impossible. As with all aspects of yoga, the knowledge of alignment quickly came to improve my daily body posture and to give me a sense of cooperation between various body parts, along with the feeling of strength and balance.

Some of the emphasis has been on, for instance:

- Feet: lifting the arches, spreading the toes, bringing energy into feet and legs. Standing equally on the four points of each foot

- Knee alignment: shins in, thighs out.

- Spirals: Inner spiral – thighs back, creating natural lumbar curve, outer spiral – rooting the tail down and inwards, feeling the belly draw in.

- Torso and Shoulders: lifting the shoulders, then bringing the head of the arm bones back. Gently bringing the ribs back in order to breath with both front and back part of the body. Keeping the side body long.

- Neck: drawing the pallet up and back, maintaining the natural neck curve.

Together with all these adjustments, being open and relaxed internally with the breath is an essential component. So is feeling the internal energy flow and letting the breath expand the body. These enable us to experience more safety, freedom and - most importantly - JOY in our practice.

For further explanation of the main alignment principles of Anusara Yoga, visit Anusara webpage, or the article of the founder - John Friend - in Yoga Journal: "Go with the Flow: Alignment in Anusara"

Note: The articles on alignment and adjustments in yoga postures may greatly benefit your yoga practice and help you to improve your physical and mental health. However, each individual has unique needs, and it is highly advisable that you first practice with - or at least consult - an experienced yoga instructor. These articles are no substitute for medical advise and the author accepts no liablilty for loss or injury in connection with the exercises demonstrated or the instructions and advise expressed herein.