Technique

Sirsha Amna (Second Posture)

• Assume the position of Vajra Asana. (Refer to Picture 40)
• Bring the head down and place it on the ground.
• Interlock the hands and keep them on the backside of your head. (Preparatory
Posture: Picture 14)
• Slowly raise your legs together and stretch them straight on the ground as much
as possible. (Second Posture: Picture 15)
• This is a preparatory posture for Sirsha Asana.
• The distance between the elbows should be equal to the distance between the
head and elbow of each arm.
• Palms should support the back portion of the head.
• Hands should not support the weight of the body throughout the Asana.
• After assuming the preparatory position slowly bend the knees and raise them
upwards.
• The weight of the body is borne by the head supported by the interlocked hands
behind and the forearms in the front.
• In the final posture the body should be perfectly straight and exactly vertical.
(Final Posture: Picture 16)

The termination of Sirsha Asana must be slow and gentle. Both legs should be brought down simultaneously with the Padma Asana posture. (Picture 18)


On termination of this posture, maintain the kneeling position with the head on the floor for at least 30 seconds.

• Stand erect, interlocking the hands.
* Inhale deeply and simultaneously raise both the heels and the
interlocked hands.
* Be in the posture with inner retention for a few seconds. (Picture 19)
• Then bring down the raised heels and your hands. Exhale. This is
one round of Tada Asana.
This is to be done to ensure proper functioning of the body, particularly blood circulation, which should readjust to normal conditions.
After completing Tada Asana, do Shava Asana without fail. (Picture 13)

• 
  By the action of gravity, the brain receives a richer supply of blood at a somewhat increased pressure. This results in dilation of capillaries and also opens capillar¬ies that are blocked.



• 
  Due to increased amount of blood to the brain, the brain cells are abundantly nourished and rejuvenated.



• 
  Because of the strong flushing action of the blood, the accumulated toxins and waste material are also effectively removed from the brain. This assists in the break-up of cholesterol deposits, which tend to build up on the linings of blood vessels. These deposits are closely related to the occurrence of a blood clot (coronary thrombosis).



• 
  Improves and maintains good physical and mental health. Q Affects the body's entire psycho-physiological mechanism. Produces an immedi¬ate and powerful sedation of the nervous system.



• 
  Psychic powers like clairvoyance, telepathy etc. are developed if this Asana is performed for a long duration over a considerable number of years



• 
  Stagnant or sluggish blood in the abdomen, lungs, and sexual organs is replaced by a good flow of purified blood, which thereby eliminates fatigue caused in these areas.



• 
  Functions of the liver and other digestive organs are activated by decongestion, which thereby improves digestive powers through increased blood supply.



• 
  Urinary problems are eliminated as the kidneys and large intestine are decon-gested and receive an enhanced blood supply.



• 
  As one grows older, the sex glands are liable to accumulate stagnant blood that brings about loss in functional efficiency. Consistent practise of this Asana activates the sex glands and improves performance of sexual activities.



• 
  Increases blood .low to the eyes and ears and improves their functioning.



• 
  Minor facial wrinkles are eliminated, thereby enabling one to maintain a youthful look.



• 
  Regular practise of this Asana over a long period averts the appearance of grey hair.



• 
  Downward displacement of abdominal organs (visceroptosis) is adjusted, as there is an upward movement of the diaphragm during this Asana. Abdominal organs like the stomach, kidneys, spleen, pancreas, liver etc. are massaged.



• 
  Ensures tranquillity and serenity of mind.



• 
  Cures psychosomatic diseases.



• 
  Cures other diseases like headache, mild asthma, bad hearing, constipation, dyspepsia, enlarged liver, varicose veins, prolapses of sexual organs, diabetes, arthritis etc.



• 
  Female problems during menstruation and menopause and some sexual disor¬ders are remedied.



• 
  Persons suffering from insomnia, defective memory and loss of vitality can derive maximum benefit from this Asana. They will become fountains of energy.



• 
  Provides resistance power to the lungs for any climatic conditions.



• 
  The practitioner is practically relieved from cold, coughs, tonsillitis and bad breath.
  Keeps the body warm.



• 
  Improves haemoglobin content of the blood.



• 
  A regular practitioner gains balance of mind, acquires a sense of self-reliance and improves courage to face untoward situations in life.



• 
  Makes the neck, abdominal walls and thighs powerful. The chest is fully expanded.



• 
  Revitalises all bodily systems by increasing blood flow to the brain and pituitary gland, which is responsible for rectifying many forms of nervous and glandular disorders.



• 
  One of the best Asanas to sublimate sexual energies and help awaken Kundalini Shakti.

Activate the Subconscious Mind

This Asana is considered the King of all Asanas and this is amply proved from the innumerable benefits it confers on the practitioner.
Since this has tremendous therapeutic effects to cure several diseases, patients can conveniently practise this Asana to cure their diseases. They should suggest to themselves as follows while in the final posture:

"I am being cured of my disease."
This is one of the best Asanas to improve memory and intelligence. Therefore, youngsters may use this autosuggestion:

"This Asana improves my memory and intelligence."
In the same manner, the principle of activating the subconscious mind could be applied on the basis of the needs of the individual practitioner.

Precautions

This Asana has to be performed very carefully; otherwise, the practitioner may fall and hurt his body. This should never be attempted without the proper guidance of an expert.
Persons suffering from high blood pressure and heart ailments should not perform this Asana.