Benefits Of Parivrtta Anjaneyasana

Parivrtta Anjaneyasana or the twisted high lunged is pronounced as (par-ee-vrt-tah Aan-Jha-Nay-AHS-anna). This pose taught in the 200 hour yoga teacher training. It is basically a twisted or revolved modification of the lunges posture. It had a lot of benefits and helps in developing balance and stamina. While you practice this posture, make sure that you maintain a strong focus on your breaths. It is important to keep breathing gently and wholly while practicing this pose. The name of this yoga posture comes from a combination of three words from Sanskrit language. The word “Parivrtta” means to revolve or turn around, the word “Anjaneya” means to salute and the word “asana” means a yoga posture.

Based on the tradition, the Parivrtta Anjaneyasana is known to activate the third eye chakra. This chakras is responsible for being the center of vitality and energy. Practicing this asana instills a sense of confidence, courage and strength. If the third eye chakra once activated helps in protecting the person from any fear or insecurity. Step by step instructions to perform this yoga asana are:

1. Begin by getting in the Anjaneyasana or the lunges pose with your right leg placed in the forward direction. Now bring your palms in the front near the heart center. While lifting your left knee push your left heel in the backward direction and reach for the crown of your head. Make sure that your spine is lengthened and in a straight direction.
2. Inhale deeply and just as you begin to exhale, revolve in the direction of your right leg. Your palms should be in proximity. Slowly put your left triceps over your right thigh and try to get your torso as near your leg as possible.
3. Now push your palms close to each other and engage your arms while attempting to make the twist more and more deeper. All this while, your chest should face the ceiling. Shift your gaze in the upwards direction just over your right shoulder.
4. Stay in this position and extend the fingertips of your left hand down into the ground on the outer edges of your right leg. Now reach for your right fingertips upwards in the direction of ceiling. 
5. Hold this pose for another minute. To relax again, place your hands firmly on the mat again and then resume the downward facing dog pose again.
6. Repeat the steps given above with the left leg in the forward direction now.

Benefits of Parivrtta Anjaneyasana:

1. Practicing this pose everyday balances both the hemispheres of the brain.
2. This asana also helps in rejuvenating the vagus nerve. This nerve travels from the nervous system to the third eye chakra in front of the body.
3. This asana provides a holistic remedy from all the problems related to mind like anxiety, stress and tension.
4. Connecting to the higher self becomes possible with the regular practice of this asana.
5. It helps to maintain the proper functioning of pituitary gland and pineal gland.
6. A deeper meditative state is achieved easily with this asana.
7. This asana is extremely effective in activating the third eye chakra and the heart chakra.
8. This asana helps in strengthening the core muscles.
9. It activates the abdominal organs.
10. Helps in easier digestion and elimination of toxic substances from the body.
11. Stretches the hips and helps in relieving from the sciatica pain.
12. It helps in developing endurance, stamina and strength in thighs and legs.
13. Increases the coordination, balance, core awareness and the focus of a person.

Beginners’ tip:

The difficulty level of this yoga pose is intermediate. If you are a beginner then don’t push to your limit with this pose and practice it slowly. It stretches the core muscles and help in strengthening them. Start slow with the stretch and slowly increase your limit.