[Yoga ]

Anantasana - (Sleeping Vishnu pose)

Anantasana is made of two separate Sanskrit words Anant and Asana. While asana just means posture or exercise Anant means endless, never ending and infinite. It can also mean a future event. In Hindu mythology, the god Vishnu has the name Anant. There are popular images of Lord Vishnu lying on a reclining pose on his side on top of a snake.

Step 1 - Lie on your back. Roll over onto the right side. Bend your right arm, and bring your right hand under your head with the fingers toward your chin. Flex both feet. Try to keep your whole body in one line, not rolling to one side or the other.

Step 2 - Bend the left knee, and take hold of the left big toe with your left hand.

Step 3 - Straighten the left leg toward the ceiling as much as possible. Maintain the balance on the side without rolling. Repeat lying on the left side.

As a beginner it can be difficult to find your balance. As a little help, you can start this practice by doing the exercise with your back to the wall which makes it impossible to fall backwards. Loop and hold a strap around the foot of the lifted leg if you cannot straighten it.

Benefits of the asana

*Good exercise for stretching the muscles of your back and side torso as well as the hamstrings and the muscles of the calves.

*Your pelvic floor muscles and hip muscles are toned and your abs are firmed.

*Increases flexibility in your legs and prevents issues of hernia.

*Good exercise for back pain.

*Stimulates your blood circulation which is beneficial for your heart and the supply of oxygen throughout your body.

*Improves concentration.

Instructor: Roland Withanage (Dip in yoga- India)
Model: Malki Nimesha