Yoga BLOG

The Hero's Pose - Virasana Virasana, the Hero's Pose or Hero's Seat, is a popular pose in Hatha Yoga . The pose is described in the 23rd verse of the first chapter of the Hatha Yoga Pradipika and in the 17th verse of Chapter 2 of the Gheranda Samhita. This meditation pose is suitable for both men and women and should, of course, only be practiced if the body is in good physical condition. If you have heart problems or a ligament injury in your ankle or knee, this pose is not suitable for you. How is Virasana performed in detail? Wear appropriate clothing for Virasana and first place your right foot on your left thigh. Your right foot should be close to your knees. Next, place your left thigh on your right foot, resting your hands comfortably on your knees. Now you should practice Virasana extensively with your left foot on your right thigh and your right foot under your left thigh. In the popular pose, your right foot is directly on your left thigh and your left foot is under your right thigh, just below your knee. More accurately, your right leg is crossed over your left leg in a cross-legged position. In this position, your thighs, together with your overlapping lower legs, form a symmetrical triangle. In direct comparison to Ardha Padmasana (Half Lotus Pose), your feet in this position are near your knees and under the thigh of your other leg. Of course, you won't be able to do the pose perfectly at first. But with enough time and, above all, sufficient practice, you'll soon be able to do it easily. If you get bored with the classic Hero's Pose after a while, you can of course try the two variations. 2 more variations of Virasana The first variation of this popular pose is taught in 2.17 Gheranda Samhita and is a combination of Vajrasana (heel seat) and Ardha Padmasana (half lotus pose). First, place your right foot on your left thigh near your groin, just as you would in half lotus. Next, bring your left foot below your buttocks. Be sure to rest your hands comfortably on your knees. Practice this variation on the other side as well. The second variation of Virasana was also developed from the heel seat. First, bring your knees close together. Then, spread your heels apart and sit directly on the floor between your feet. Now place your hands comfortably on your knees or, alternatively, place your palms open upwards in your lap. What are the effects of Virasana? Virasana affects both your body and your mind. If you practice the Hero's Pose correctly, your legs can fully relax. This is especially important after a strenuous day. If your legs feel heavy or even swollen, Virasana will definitely provide relief. Even after extreme exertion, your legs can rest reliably in this pose, which is why track and field athletes also find it so beneficial. In addition to thoroughly relaxing your legs, Virasana also expands your chest and deepens your breathing. However, the pose can not only relieve pain and swelling, but also renew your strength, courage, power, and stamina. The pose restores mobility to your foot, hip, and knee joints and improves circulation in your legs and feet. Virasana can relieve heel spurs and tailbone problems, also helps with fatigue, and is a very good pose for pranayama and meditation . Image © shotsstudio / 123rf.com