Sanskrit feature : Janu Sirsasana

Ill be posting some sanskrit words that i normally use in class just to get you in the know. Alot of Malay words do have roots in Sanskrit and so are familiar, like vira / wira (hero), surya /suria (sun), Raja (king).

I've picked out Janu Sirsasana today. Break it down as:
Janu = Knee
Sirsa = Head
asana = pose (to sit)

Ive been dwelling on this pose lately as they are found in the ashtanga primary series and of its sister forms, Janu sirsasana B and C. These 3 asanas are relatively the same, just different positioning of the foot. What are benefits of these sister asanas you ask?

Janusirsana A : Tones the liver, spleen and kidneys. Gives that great release in the back of the legs and with the bended leg, creates a nice hip release too. As with all forward bends, veeery releasing and soothing.

Janusirsana B: Notice how the positioning of the foot is different (pic below). The heel is pressed onto the perineum (between genitals and the anus) and the ankle is hinged at a right angle, toes point forward. This creates a mudra or a seal (also called the great seal/lock). More on mudras in future post!

Janusirsana C : This one works the toe joints, hips and knees strongly. Also stretches the hamstrings and the Achilles tendons and, ah yess...tones the abdominal organs.

Janu sirsasana A, B, C = head beyond the knee posture.

Oh, and, i found this from the pharmacy to help tide me down until my thursday dental appointment. I had a short consultation with Janet Lim dental and she concluded i have to get my wisdom tooth out.
Oh, more woe!


Clove oil gel. This is nasty stuff! Yuck! like having the real clove itself explode in your mouth and having it linger at the back of your throat!

On a lighter, happier note!
Have a great long weekend everyone!

Danura xxx