Trataka
Concentrated Gazing
Trataka is a kriya which is performed for cleansing and strengthening the eyes. In this kriya, eyes are focussed on a particular object which could be a flame of a lamp or a burning candle or a point.
This is done without blinking the eyes till the eyes get tired or start watering.
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Garudasana
Eagle posture
This asana is named after the well-known bird Garuda (eagle). In this asana, the hands with arms placed in front look like the beak of an eagle.
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Gomukhasana
Go means ‘cow’ and mukha means ‘mouth’ or ‘face’. In this asana, the position of legs look like the face of cow, hence, it is called Gomukhasana.
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Simhasana
Lion Posture
In Sanskrit Simha means ‘lion’. In this asana, the face with open mouth and tongue stretched out towards the chin resembles the fierce look of a lion, hence, it is called Simhasana.
Mandukasana
Frog Posture
Manduka, a Sanskrit word means ‘frog’. In this asana, the final posture resembles the shape of a frog. Hence, it is named Mandukasana.
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Uttana-mandukasana
Stretched up Frog Posture
Uttana means ‘upright’ or ‘stretched up’ and manduka means ‘frog’. In final position of this asana, the body looks like a stretched up or upright frog, hence, it is called Uttana- mandukasana.
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Kukkutasana
Cockerel Posture
This is called Kukkutasana because this asana imitates the posture of a cock. This is a balancing posture, therefore, it should be practised with caution. Before taking up this practice, one must have sufficient practice of Padmasana.
Other Asanas to improve contentration
- BhujangasanaÂ
- Tadasana
- Katichakrasana
- Ardhamatsyendrasan
