Sunday, September 29, 2013

Yoga while traveling

I don't know about you but i like to be a 100% fit when I'm travelling, especially when I'm on holiday. I occasionally suffer from these four symptoms while on the road and I'm sure I am not alone. There are simple yog asanas to combat these common ailments. They are:

a) Prithvi mudra  

I am a great proponent of hasta or hand yoga mudra. It's easy to remember and can be done anywhere and anytime. This particular one is to revive a tired body.  

Touch the tip of the ring finger to the tip of the thumb with the rest of the fingers stretched out (see image). So if you're walking around a lot, which you would be while exploring the local sights, and get tired, find a clean bench and do this exercise for 10-15 minutes. 


b) Linga mudra

Some people have a well-oiled thermostat which regulates their body temperatures perfectly. Unfortunately, I am not one of them. So i need to manually adapt to the outside temperature. 

For those like me, this exercise will help you naturally balance your body temperature - if the outside temperature is lower than your own. In short, if you're feeling cold, do this. Interlock fingers of both hands and circle the left thumb tightly with your right index and thumb (see image). This also helps cut your fat, ladies!


c) Seetkari pranayam

Alternately, if you're feeling hot and have no more layers of clothing to peel off, do this. 

Curl the sides of your tongue to create a tunnel and slowly breathe in through your mouth allowing the air to pass through your tongue. Bring the tongue back in and exhale through nose. Don't do this if you have a cold though. You can read more about this on this wonderful blog by Anmol Mehta


d) Apana mudra

And last, but surely not the least, for this can really make or break your holiday - constipation! Do this to get rid of the...erm... discomfort. Tips of the middle and ring fingers touch the tip of your thumb (see image). 
Alternately, you can also press the acupressure point for this which is your chin! And soon you'll be thanking me. No wait, i mean it in a good way.

For more on hasta yoga mudras take a look at this lovely website called..umm.. Stylecraze.com. No seriously, it's very good.

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