PM Modi’s yoga session at UN: What are the benefits of the asanas he showcased?

Tadasana: This asana helps bring all parameters of your body in balance. It stretches the vertebrae, the abdominal muscles and intestines. It loosens and clears up the congestion of nerves along the spine. It tones up muscles, ligaments in the legs, arms and along the back.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi performs yoga with others during the 9th International Day of Yoga celebrations at the UN headquarters, in New York, Wednesday, June 21, 2023. (PTI Photo)

Backward and Forward bending: The benefits of backward and forward bending are manifold with the asana affecting the spine, the digestive system, the thyroid glands and all the lymph nodes in the body. The alternate forward and backward bending is a good manipulation of your spine, especially in today’s world of having to use mobiles, computers and hand-held devices, which require you to be static in unnatural positions for long lengths of time. The opposing movements stretch and then compress the stomach area and the neck area, thus stimulating all the digestive organs and the thyroid glands in the neck area.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) president Csaba Korosi participate in the 9th International Day of Yoga event on the north lawn at United Nations headquarters in New York City, New York, U.S., June 21, 2023. REUTERS/Mike Segar

Ushtrasana: It is beneficial for the digestive, reproductive organs and is good for all kinds of back problems. It also impacts the thyroid glands and opens up the chest area maximum thus helping asthma patients.

Makrasana: Good for lower back problems like sciatica and slipped disc. It helps relieve the pressure on the nerves between vertebrae. This is a good practice for asthma as it helps increase oxygen in the lungs with the opening of the lungs in this posture. For asthma, the entire emphasis should be the lung areas and slow rhythmical breathing. One may or may not give emphasis to the movement of the legs.

Bhujang asana: It is very good for strengthening the spine and making it supple. For all kinds of back problems, it is good to introduce this asana after a few days of the Makrasana practice. It helps in resolving all digestive and urogenital problems. It is beneficial for menstrual problems.

Pawan Mukta asana: As the name of the asana suggests, it is mainly done to get rid of flatulence, gas and constipation. It loosens the vertebra and is good for the lower back.

Kapalbhati pranayama: It cleans up the lungs and activates the respiratory system. It balances the nervous system and stimulates the digestive system. It is an excellent practice for relief from asthma. It charges the frontal lobe of the brain. IT is an energising practice.

Nadi Shobhan: It is a kind of pranayama that brings balance in the entire system and in the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. It helps remove blockages in the respiratory and the subtle energy flow.

Bhramari Pranayama: It is a relaxing pranayama which cools, stills and calms the mind. It is a good cure for insomnia and can be practised before sleeping. It energises the brain with the humming sound. It activates the vagus nerves which controls the digestive, respiratory and immune system in the body.