Katichakrasana

Katichakrasana (Lumber Twist Posture)

Kati in Sanskrit means 'waist' and chakra means 'wheel'. In this

asana, the waist is moved towards right side and left side. The

movements of the waist along with arms look like a wheel. Hence, it is called Katichakrasana.

Let us perform Katichakrasana by following the steps given below:

1. Stand erect on the ground with feet 12 inches apart.

2. Now, keep the arms out-stretched in front of the body with palms facing each other at the shoulder level.

3. While inhaling, swing the arms slowly towards right side of your body.

4. Twist your body from the waist to the right and take your arms back as far as possible.

5. While swinging towards right side, keep the right arm straight and left arm bent.

6. Repeat the practice twisting toward left side as well.

Remember the following points:

Do’s

• Right hand is kept straight while twisting to the right and vice versa.

• Fingers should be stretched out. Inhale while twisting towards back and exhale while coming to the normal position.

• In the final position of asana gaze behind.

Don’ts

• Don’t bend forward or backward.

• Don’t move the lower part of the body.

• Do not jerk the body.

Benefits

• It helps in making slim.

• It relieves constipation and makes the lumber region strong.

• It is good for respiratory ailments. Tuberculosis of lungs can be prevented.

• It strengthens shoulders, neck, arms, abdomen, back and thighs.

Limitation

• Do not practice it if suffering from chronic spinal pain or injury.

Importance of Yoga

Good Health is the right of every human being. But this right depends

on individual, social and environmental factors. Along with social

or environmental factors to a large extent, we can develop a better

immune system and a better perception of oneself so that other

conditions do not affect us adversely and we can achieve good health.

Health is a positive concept. Positive health does not mean merely

freedom from disease, but, it also include a jubilant and energetic feeling of

well-being with an amount of general resistance and capacity to easily

cultivate immunity against specific offending agents.

There are many modern and indigenous methods and disciplines

that can help us to successfully fight with diseases. For example,

the system of yoga, naturopathy, ayurveda, unani, homeopathy and

siddha can be quoted among indigenous systems, whereas allopathic

system is quoted as the modern and popular medical system. Yoga is

one of the most powerful drugless system of treatment. It is having its

own concept of wellness which has been scientifically understood and

presented by many. Yoga can be adopted as lifestyle for promoting

our physical and mental health.