Our body often longs for rest and new energy. In this context, we would like to introduce the impressive effect of the lotus position, a yoga pose that strengthens both physically and mentally.
We all know it or have probably heard of it before – the lotus position, also called Padmasana in Sanskrit. The image of the lotus position is a widespread symbol in yoga and even more so in the area of meditation. But why?
The lotus position has a tradition that goes back thousands of years and is one of the first yoga positions that was ever practiced and taught. It has a variety of positive effects that are now scientifically proven.
The lotus flower has an amazing property
Almost as if by a miracle, it can germinate its seeds in the most amazing places and grow into a fascinating, beautiful flower. In yoga teachings, this miracle illustrates the path of every yoga student and so the flower has become an important symbol in yoga teachings. The lotus position thus embodies the lotus blossom. Just as the flower strives upwards from the earth to the all-encompassing energy of the sun, the seat gives us firm, upright support so that we can also receive the all-encompassing energy and let it flow freely within us.
Practice makes perfect – this also applies to the lotus position
In the lotus position, the legs are crossed in a similar way to the cross-legged position, but the key difference to the cross-legged position is that the feet rest on the thighs, thus achieving a very stable and stable sitting position. This means that the back straightens almost by itself and sagging, as in the cross-legged position, is almost impossible. For this reason, the lotus position is also ideal for meditation, as you can really concentrate fully on sinking into yourself without constantly having to pay attention to correcting your posture. Another positive side effect of the lotus position is that the blood circulation is concentrated in the abdominal area and the blood flows more strongly - this is particularly helpful for period pain and also for problems with digestion. It is very important, especially for beginners, that the seat does not cause you any pain and that you do not force yourself into this position, but rather practice this asana until you can remain in the lotus position for a longer period of time without any pain. As long as the exercise cannot be performed without pain, the half lotus position can be practiced until the body gets used to the stretch. At some point, it will suddenly be possible, almost as if by magic, to sit in the full lotus position.
In the half lotus position, only one foot is placed on the thigh at a time and the other rests on the floor with the leg bent (as close to the thigh as possible). Some yoga scholars even call the lotus position the "destroyer of all diseases". There is actually something to this, because scientific studies have shown that regular practice of the lotus position improves endurance and significantly stimulates the metabolism. Regular lotus position can even bring relief or even cure back and coccyx problems. So just try it out and experience the wonderful effects of the lotus position. All you need is comfortable yoga clothes and your yoga mats and then the journey can begin.