Yoga Asana of the Day: Malasana 2 (Garland pose)
Soles of the feet should preferably be on the floor, but if you can only do this on the balls and toes of your feet this is fine for practice until your ankles become more flexible. If you have bad balance, you can do this with your back/glutes against the wall: squat against a wall and shuffle into position, keep feet together (preferable) or slightly apart (modification); or you can face the back of a sturdy chair and hold onto it for support. You can have a block or rolled up towel/blanket under your heels if your ankles are stiff or weak.
Start from standing with feet together, squat down and find your balance; or start from a squat position from a previous seated position if this works better for you. Widen your knees while keeping your feet still together, exhale and lower your arms and core forward between your legs, your armpits will be in front of your knees. Place hands on the floor. Wrap your hands to hold onto the back of your ankles or heels. You can look ahead, or lower your body more to eventually reach your head to the floor.
[With increased practice you will be able to wrap your hands behind your back, clasping your fingers; this is Malasana 1.]
Another variation is to have feet wider apart (feet preferably parallel, or toes slightly turned out), place hands into prayer pose with your upper arms or elbows pressing into your inner thighs. This will give a nice stretch to the inner thighs and groin. You can sit on a block or pillow for this one, if you need the assistance.
This pose (all versions) increases circulation to the sex organs; can benefit men suffering from ED or testicular problems; can benefit women suffering from menstrual complaints; strengthens the pelvis; benefits the colon. Helps give relief to the lower back, helps tone the ankles. Gives a nice stretch to the shoulders. Helps prevent/treat constipation and urinary problems, as it regulates the correct energetic movements that contribute to proper excretion (Apan Vayu).
Soles of the feet should preferably be on the floor, but if you can only do this on the balls and toes of your feet this is fine for practice until your ankles become more flexible. If you have bad balance, you can do this with your back/glutes against the wall: squat against a wall and shuffle into position, keep feet together (preferable) or slightly apart (modification); or you can face the back of a sturdy chair and hold onto it for support. You can have a block or rolled up towel/blanket under your heels if your ankles are stiff or weak.
Start from standing with feet together, squat down and find your balance; or start from a squat position from a previous seated position if this works better for you. Widen your knees while keeping your feet still together, exhale and lower your arms and core forward between your legs, your armpits will be in front of your knees. Place hands on the floor. Wrap your hands to hold onto the back of your ankles or heels. You can look ahead, or lower your body more to eventually reach your head to the floor.
[With increased practice you will be able to wrap your hands behind your back, clasping your fingers; this is Malasana 1.]
Another variation is to have feet wider apart (feet preferably parallel, or toes slightly turned out), place hands into prayer pose with your upper arms or elbows pressing into your inner thighs. This will give a nice stretch to the inner thighs and groin. You can sit on a block or pillow for this one, if you need the assistance.
This pose (all versions) increases circulation to the sex organs; can benefit men suffering from ED or testicular problems; can benefit women suffering from menstrual complaints; strengthens the pelvis; benefits the colon. Helps give relief to the lower back, helps tone the ankles. Gives a nice stretch to the shoulders. Helps prevent/treat constipation and urinary problems, as it regulates the correct energetic movements that contribute to proper excretion (Apan Vayu).