Yoga Day 2019: These 4 Yoga Asanas will help in improving mental health

Yoga is a group of physical, mental, and spiritual practices or disciplines which originated in ancient India. The word ‘yoga’ derives from Sanskrit and means 'to join' or 'to unite', symbolizing the union of body and consciousness. The International Day of Yoga is celebrated annually on 21 June since 2015 after the United Nations General Assembly accepted PM Modi's proposal made during his speech at the UNGA, on 27 September 2014. The fifth annual International Day of Yoga will be celebrated at the United Nations on Thursday, 20 June 2019, with 'Yoga with Gurus,' followed by a panel discussion on 21 June.

The International Day of Yoga 2019's Theme is Climate Action

Practising Yoga can help in managing these mental health conditions:

• Depression and Anxiety
• Trauma
• Stress Reduction

There are 4 Yoga Asanas which can help in improving the mental heath,

1)  Balasana Or Child’s Pose

This Asana helps in calming the brain and helps in relieving stress and fatigue. It stretches the ankles, feet, quads, and hips, as well as the entire back, shoulders, and neck. Because the head is resting below the heart in the pose, more blood flows into the brain, creating a calming and soothing effect on the mind. It also relieves back and neck pain when done with head and torso supported. It also helps in rejuvenating the central nervous system. The pose relaxes all the muscles surrounding the vertebrae of the spine, freeing up the nerves to communicate with the brain more effectively.

2) Viparita Karani or Inverted Lake Pose

The Viparita Karani is a mild inversion and is also called the Inverted Lake Pose. This Yoga Asana helps in relaxing the mind. It gently brings the body into a state of complete relaxation. It also improves the blood circulation in the body. It also has therapeutic benefits. It helps in reducing anxiety, curing mild depression, reducing Arthritis, and also reduce headaches.

READ: International Yoga day celebrated in the US

3)  Uttanasana or Standing forward bend pose

It is an intense forward stretch pose. It is extremely helpful in curing Insomnia. It also improves oxygen-rich blood flow to the brain as the head is positioned below the heart in this pose. Regular practice of this Asana helps in relieving anxiety and stress.

4) Savasana or Corpse Pose

This is an excellent pose for meditation. In this Asana, sensory stimulation and external distractions are ultimately minimized to help the body completely relax. It will help in increasing body awareness and interoception ( sense of the internal state of the body). This Asana also helps in the repair of tissues and cells and also helps in releasing stress.

READ:Theme of this year's World Yoga Day is 'Yoga for Heart': Union Minister Shripad Yesso Naik