Siddhasana
(Perfect Pose)

The Sanskrit name of this pose, Siddhasana, means "perfect pose" because you can attain perfection in Yoga by meditating in this position. The position of the legs and hands during this pose closes the circuits to contain your body's energy and retain the awakened vital forces in the system during meditation.

Technique

• Sit with both legs outstretched.




• Bend your left knee and place the sole of your left foot against your right thigh so that your heel touches your perineum.



• Bend your right knee and put your right heel against your pubic bone.



• If you are performing this pose during sunrise and sunset, keep your hands with palms open; otherwise reverse the palms.



• Always hold your spine erect.

Asanas or Physical Poses

Asanas are one of the Eight Limbs of Yoga, which is a guide to personal development that will allow you to achieve harmony of the mind, the body and the spirit which will lead you to Samadhi, or enlightenment.

Asana in Sanskrit means "seat," which refers to the physical position of many of the poses, as well as the position of the spirit in relation to Divinity. Asanas are designed to reduce tension and stress while rejuvenating and energizing your body and mind in order to bring the two into harmonious union. Asanas should be performed with comfort and steadiness, as well as a balance of ease and effort.

Asanas often incorporate Pranayama (breathing exercises) to tone and strengthen abdominal and pelvic floor muscles. During pregnancy, strong pelvic floor muscles can help prevent prolapsed (sagging) organs in the pelvic and abdominal cavities, while strong abdominal muscles help support the spine.