Sukhasana (Easy Pose) Steps, Benefits And Precautions

What is the meaning of sukhasana?

Sukhasana is a Sanskrit word comprised of Sukh means ‘pleasure’, joy, comfort, easy, and asana means ‘yoga pose’. Sukhasana is aimed at providing concentration, stability, peace, and calmness of mind. The easy yoga pose provides a comfortable and stable position to the body in order to make the mind steady for practicing Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi. There are yoga poses, which fall in this group are Siddhasana, Padmasana, Vajrasana, and Swastikasana. This is the easiest meditative pose, which can be practiced irrespective of all age groups, especially suitable for the older age one. Since the pose tends to comfort one, therefore, it is also known as comfort pose, pleasant pose, or decent pose. It is pronounced as suk-HAS-anna.

Sukhasana drawbacks

The easy yoga pose is known for many physical, mental, and spiritual benefits. However, it has one basic drawback. Most of the weight of the body is supported by the small area of contact between the floor and the buttocks. After a period of time, this area soon becomes a little painful. However, this can be overcome to a degree by using a cushion under the buttocks. The other meditative asanas have a larger area of contact between the floor and the body-the weight of the body is supported partly by the buttocks and also by the legs, which reduces aches and pains developing.

Sukhasana philosophy & origin

The simple crossed leg Hath yoga pose is widely used in meditation by Hinduism and Buddhism. Sukhasana is a Sanskrit derived word wherein Sukh indicates pleasure and asana means posture. It has been mentioned in many important yoga texts (Granth). It has been mentioned in the 19th-century book Sritattvanidhi and 4^th century Darshana Upanishad. According to Ramana Maharshi, this is the most appropriate yoga pose for enlightenment.

How to do sukhasana step by step?

The easy technique and instructions of performing Easy pose yoga is given below.

• Sit with the legs facing forwards in front of the body.
• Fold the left leg under the right thigh.
• Then place the right foot under the left thigh.
• Hold your head, neck, and spine upright in a comfortable position.
• Place your hands either on your knees or in your lap. Close your eyes. Relax your whole body.

Sukhasana precautions

The contraindications and cautions of sukhasana are being given below

• It shouldn’t be practice in case of a knee injury.
• Avoid in case of sciatica.
• It also shouldn’t be practiced in sacral ailments.
• It must not be practiced in case of a slipped disc.

What are the benefits of sukhasana

1. Meditative pose: This is the easiest and one of the best meditative yoga poses.
2. Reduces stress: Being a Dhyana pose, it helps to bring balance between the body and mind. It regulates hormonal imbalances in the body, reduces emotional conflict, neurosis, and stress.
3. Calms the brain: The practice of the yoga pose helps to soothe the brain.
4. Good for spinal health: During the practice of the easy yoga pose, the spine likes to be straight and upright thereby beneficial in strengthening the spine and back.
5. Knees and ankles stretch: It also gives adequate stretch to the ankles and knees, thus good for the health of these body regions.
6. Good for nervous system: It makes a balance between the central nervous system and parasympathetic nervous system.
7. Strengthening the back: The regular practice of the yoga pose ensures stronger and steadier your back.
8. Depression: This has a very soothing influence on the brain and can help to relieve ailments like migraine, epilepsy, and depression.

Top facts about sukhasana

1. This is the oldest of all yoga poses including padmasana.
2. Sukhasana is the suited sitting posture for beginners.
3. It is one of the best yoga to practice pranayama and meditation.