Kurmasana

It is an advanced bend yoga asana, which has been in the practice since ancient times due to the ample benefits associated. As a result, Kurmasana is still prevailing in the modern world of a yogic lifestyle. The practice of this asana aligns the mental, physical, and emotional column of an individual to support the overall structure of the body. So, it can flourish with wellness. Kurmasana Meaning Kurmasana in Sanskrit is a combination of ‘ kurma‘ and ‘ asana‘ which means ‘tortoise’ and ‘pose’ respectively. In this pose, the practitioner stretches legs forward and hands backward while back bending forward. This whole structure of the curved back and stretched legs-hands looks like a tortoise. Hence, it’s called ‘tortoise pose’ or ‘turtle pose’. Generally, on sudden change or on threatening tortoise withdraws itself into its shell. Similarly, Kurmasana is the pose that lets our senses draw inward to detach from the worldly distraction. Therefore, one can experience Pratyahara by practicing Kurmasana. Uttana Kurmasana, one of the variations of Kurmasana, is described in the 7th-century yoga text Ahirbudhnya Saṃhitā. It is also illustrated in the later texts like Jogapradipikaand Sritattvanidhiof 19th century. Kurmasana is believed to be associated with the Lord Vishnu’s Kurma Avtar, his incarnation in the form of a turtle. Kurmasana Practice Guide Source: canva Go through the points below to practice Kurmasana easily and safely. Precautions & Contradictions • Avoid tortoise...

The Bhagavad Gita, one of yoga’s most sacred texts, spends eighteen chapters exploring the path of enlightenment. In Chapter two, verse 58, Krishna says to Arjuna, “Having drawn back all the senses from the objects of sense as a tortoise draws back into his shell that man is a man of firm wisdom.” The instruction is to draw inward like a tortoise in order to find the experience of For others, this most basic preparation of the pose is fairly easeful. It can be a relaxing space in which to tune into breath and relax. If this is the case, then the pose can be more fully engaged by extending the arms out to the sides, which more deeply engages the shoulder blades at the base of the heart, or even flexing the elbows and reaching the arms around the back of the body. Then work on retracting the shoulders toward the spine to open the front of the chest more. Once here, the legs can be extended to intensify the adduction of the shoulders, increase the stretch in the hamstrings and deepen the forward fold by flexing more fully at the hips. The effort in this variation is more extreme, and the work then is to surrender into the inward space of witnessing the experience. Turtles in many aspects of mythology and lore represent the energy of the earth. Slow, deliberate, and purposeful, they are easily protected simply by pulling in. The turtle is able to withstand extreme dangers or disturbances without being knocked off center. This idea is a foundational concept in the Kurmasana is ...

This pose is a great way to invoke relaxation. It may be especially beneficial for people to perform after a long, stressful day. This pose has the unique ability to relax both the body and mind, so it can be used for physical or mental stress relief. Due to the advanced stretching involved, this yoga pose should follow other Like many yoga poses with mental health benefits, the benefits of Tortoise Pose are not strictly limited to the physical body. As you release the pressure of supporting the upper body, you may experience a withdrawal of the senses. This is when your focus shifts from the external world to the internal world. Common Mistakes Proper form is of utmost importance in all yoga poses. When stretching is involved, be especially mindful of preventing injury or straining. Extra caution is needed to avoid straining the back of your knees in Tortoise Pose. Your back and spine are also in vulnerable positions in this yoga pose, so additional stretching may be needed following Kurmasana. Prepare for this pose with preparatory poses This pose is for people at the intermediate or advanced levels. However, people of all experiences should prepare for this pose with other poses that stretch and open the targeted body parts, especially the legs and back. Try to perform this pose in the middle of your sequence. Some preparatory poses include Paschimottanasana) and Dhanurasana). Bringing the knees down into the floor In yoga, it is sometimes required to draw certain body ...

The name comes from the Sanskrit कूर्म Kūrma, " Āsana, "posture" or "seat". Uttana Kurmasana is described in the ancient, c. 7th century The modern Kurmasana is described in Description [ ] To enter kūrmāsana a practitioner sits with the legs outstretched, feet as wide apart as possible. The knees are bent slightly, keeping the heels in contact with the floor. The body is leaned forward from the hips and the hands slid under the knees. The body leans forward (bending at the hips) to allow the hands and arms to slide sideways and backward (under the knees) until the elbows lie near the back of the knees. The heels are pushed forward and legs are straightened as much as possible. The forehead or chin is brought to touch the floor. The arms are further brought around the back to interlock the hands under the buttocks. Variations [ ] Supta Kurmasana (Sleeping Tortoise Pose) has the forehead on the floor, the feet crossed behind the head, and the arms reaching around the legs, hands clasped behind the back. Uttana Kurmasana (Upside-Down Tortoise Pose) has the arms threaded through the crossed legs as in See also [ ] • • • • • . Retrieved 2011-04-11. • Sinha, S. C. (1996). Dictionary of Philosophy. Anmol Publications. p.18. 978-81-7041-293-9. • . Retrieved 4 January 2019. revised from American Academy of Religions conference, San Francisco, 19 November 2011. • Eighty-Four Asanas in Yoga: A Survey of Traditions. New Delhi: D. K. Printworld. p.63. 978-8124604175. • • ^ a b • • . R...

Kurmasana is a seated yoga asana in which the body folds at the waist and the arms slip under the legs. It is recommended to stay in the pose for 30 to 40 seconds and for roughly five to 10 breaths. This pose is designed to create inner awareness and relaxation. As a result, kurmasana is touted as beneficial for relieving stress and improving concentration. Its name comes from the Sanskrit kurma, which means "turtle" or "tortoise," and asana , which means "posture" or "seat.” It is so called because the asana resembles the shape of a tortoise in the full pose. Kurmasana may also be known as tortoise pose. There are a range of variations of kurmasana, including: • Supta kurmasana– Sleeping tortoise pose, a deeper version of the pose with the legs wrapped around the neck and the hands clasped at the lower back. • Ardha kurmasana– Half tortoise pose, a gentler version that starts in vajrasana, then the body folds and the arms extend forward, resting on the ground. • Uttana kurmasana– Upside-down tortoise pose, which can mean both a more challenging and a more relaxed version of the pose. In the challenging version, the pose balances on the buttocks with the arms and legs off the ground and entwined. An easier version starts in vajrasana, then the body folds until the head rests on the ground and the arms extend backward, resting on the ground. Traditionally, kurmasana is designed to quiet the nervous system and shut out distractions, allowing the inner world to become clear a...

Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Move inward and quiet your mind as you transition step by step into Kurmasana. PREVIOUS STEP IN YOGAPEDIA SEE ALL ENTRIES IN Benefit: Lengthens your spine; opens your shoulders; helps you withdraw your senses; quiets the mind in preparation for meditation Step 1 Sit in See also Step 2 Bend your knees, and keeping your feet flexed, bring them closer to your hips. Extend your chest and arms forward and down between your legs. See also Step 3 Bend your legs even more, so that you can put your shoulders one by one under your knees. (If this is too difficult, continue to work on forward bends.) Once there, stretch your arms out to the sides. Roll your thighs inward and extend your inner heels, without creating tension in the feet. Spread the front of your chest and collarbones forward and down with the help of the pressure of your thighs on the shoulders or upper arms. Push your inner heels down and forward to stretch and straighten your legs. Your inner thighs should remain in contact with your side ribs. See also Step 4 Inhale to continue to stretch your arms and chest out to your sides. Exhale to extend your spine farther forward. Do not force your legs; instead relax and exhale to release as far as you can into the pose. If you feel pain under your knees, take your arms slightly forward. Stay for a few breaths, then slowly come out of the pose. Repeat a few times. Stay ...

Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Ancient sages frequently named asanas after shapes or qualities that they observed in nature. Kurmasana (Tortoise Pose) is named for an animal that withdraws into its shell when startled or threatened. It’s not surprising, then, that when you take the physical shape of the tortoise in this pose, you will often experience an exquisite feeling of moving inward mentally—as though the world around you is moving out of focus as your inner world becomes more audible and clear. When your attention moves inward like this, you experience When you first start practicing Kurmasana, quiet centeredness can prove challenging—the pose requires pinning the arms and legs down to the earth and curving the back like a shell. You may face resistance, feel stuck or fearful, and perhaps even wonder why some yoga students seem to find it easy. Practice watching the alignment of your mind as much as that of your body, encouraging equanimity in order to maintain your vigor. Instead of reacting to and identifying with the resistance that may come up, sequence your actions this way: First move, then feel, and then reflect on the sensations. This gives you time to perceive and respond appropriately to cues your body gives you. Take note of what the ancients called the “portals”: eyes, mouth, nostrils, and even ears. If these areas feel tense, encourage them to soften. When the portals are rel...

kūrmāsana = kūrmā + asana All Tortoise Pose, Kurmasana, Turtle Pose Level Intermediate Position Type Sanskrit Pronunciation Play Audio (Sorry, your browser does not support playing audio files.) Chakras Solar Plexus (Manipura Chakra) Doshas (Ayurveda) Pit ta Elements Fire Tags Are you a yoga teacher? List of • • • • • • My Sequences Are you a yoga teacher? Try • • • • • • • • • • In Sanskrit ‘Kurma’, means ‘tortoise’. This pose Kurmasana or the Tortoise Pose, is considered to be an intense pose connecting to one’s inner self, the spiritual aspect. While in this posture the human body resembles a tortoise, having the limbs stretched out and the torso rests in a forward fold where the back resembles the shell of the tortoise. In this seated pose, the legs are spread wide apart, while the arms are placed on the floor from below the knees, and the torso is placed on the floor in a forward fold, bringing the chin to rest on the floor. It is said that practicing this pose, withdraws one from the distractions around you, while the nervous system is completely calm and quiet. The flexibility of the hips, shoulders, neck and the entire back is very essential to enjoy this pose while also gaining the maximum benefits. An advance level pose, and hence should be done with caution and with guidance. In Sanskrit, kurma means 'tortoise', and this term has several references in scriptures. Interestingly, there is another Sanskrit term for tortoise - Kashyapa. According to a narrative,...