Forward Bends

This week, we’ll be focusing on forward bends. Here are some of the general benefits of these poses, as highlighted in Yoga: A Gem for Women.

“All these asanas have a profound effect on the internal organs of the abdomen. They help digestion and tone and massage the organs of the digestive system such as the stomach, liver, spleen, intestines, pancreas and the gall-bladder. They are therefore useful in counteracting flatulence, constipation, excessive bile, diabetes and obesity.

They strengthen the urinary system and correct the functioning of the bladder.

For women, after delivering a baby the uterus tends to sag downwards and the internal organs and muscles of the abdomen are in a weakened state. These asanas strengthen those areas and bring them back to normal. They also help check excessive menstrual discharge.

They strengthen and exercise the entire back, from the lumbar to the thoracic and cervical region, and are good for relieving neck troubles.

They are useful in cases of high blood pressure as they soothe the nerves and exercise a calming effect on the mind.”