Accomplished Pose

Print

Siddhasana

Yonisthanakamankaghrimoolaghatitam kritva dridham vinyase-
Tmendhe paadamathaikameva hridaye kritva hanum susthiram||
Sthanuha siyamihendriyochaladrisha pashyed bhruvorantaram
Hyetanmokshakapaatbhedajnakam sidhasanam prachyate ||35||>

Hatha Yoga Pradipika- 1:35

Meaning: Press the perineum with the heel of one foot, place the other foot on top of the genitals. Having done this, rest the chin on to the chest. Remaining still and steady, with the senses controlled, gaze steadily into the eyebrow centre; it breaks open the door to liberation. This is called siddhasana.

Siddha means accomplished, yoni means womb or source and asana is posture. The siddha yoni asana and the siddha asana are actually the same position, the former is practiced by women, and the latter is practiced by men. And according to the ancient text this posture is practiced by accomplished yogis (men or women).

Techniques:

• Sit on the floor with the legs stretched out in front
• Bring the left heel close to the perineum
• Place the right foot so that the heel presses the pubis
• Push the right toes in between the space between the left thigh and calf muscle
• Pull the left big toe up in between the right thigh and calf muscle
• Adjust the body so that it is comfortable
• Sit on top of the right heel

Contra-indications:

• Sacral infections
• Sciatica
• Slipped disc

Benefits:

• Provides the most steady and still sitting position
• Stimulates prana flow in the pelvic region and strengthens the pelvic muscles
• Intensifies a meditation practice
• Triggers the muladhara and swadishthana chakras
• Rebalances pranic flow in the lower chakras
• Redirects sexual energy to the higher chakras
• Tones the lower abdominal and pelvic organs
• Increases blood supply to the lower spine and abdomen