Yoga instructor illustrating Malasana
Garland Pose, Malasana (Sanskrit: बद्धकोणसन), or Yoga Squat[1] is an asana.[2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9]
[edit] Etymology
The name comes from the Sanskrit words mala (माला) meaning "garland"[10] and asana (आसन) meaning "posture" or "seat".[11]
[edit] Description
The pose is a squat with heels flat on the floor and hip-width apart (or slightly wider if necessary), toes pointing out on a diagonal. The torso is brought forward between the thighs, elbows are braced against the inside of the knees, and the hands press together in front of the chest in Añjali Mudrā.
The pose is described in Bob Anderson's Stretching. Steve Ilg is a proponent of the pose. Sarah Keyes, an author of books on back pain, recommends the yoga squat daily to aid in back pain relief. The Posture Prescription, by Dr. Arthur White and written by Kate Kelly recommends squatting all day, to pick things up, while working on computers, and during everyday tasks.
[edit] Benefits
Malasana stretches the ankles, groins and back, tones the belly and can provide relief from lower back strain.[2]
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ Gavalas, Elaine (7 January 2003). The Yoga Minibook for Longevity: A Specialized Program for a Healthier, Vital You. Simon & Schuster. p. 174. ISBN 9780743226998. http://books.google.com/books?id=AgCWWk083fMC. Retrieved 9 April 2011.
- ^ a b "Garland Pose". Yoga Journal. http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/2472. Retrieved 2009-06-12.
- ^ Beeken, Jenny (November 2003). Your Yoga Body Map for Vitality. Polair Publishing. p. 159. ISBN 9780954538910. http://books.google.com/books?id=UJtIMw6oP1UC&pg=PA159. Retrieved 9 April 2011.
- ^ Care of the Unborn Child with Yoga. Jaypee Brothers Publishers. 1 January 2006. p. 141. ISBN 9788180616747. http://books.google.com/books?id=kU7wXkbC7KUC&pg=PA141. Retrieved 9 April 2011.
- ^ Frawley, David; Kozak, Sandra Summerfield (15 June 2001). Yoga for Your Type: An Ayurvedic Approach to Your Asana Practice. Lotus Press. p. 225. ISBN 9780910261302. http://books.google.com/books?id=CQYxNdiDEqsC&pg=PA225. Retrieved 9 April 2011.
- ^ Ramaswami, Srivatsa; Krishnamacharya, T. (3 June 2005). The complete book of vinyasa yoga: an authoritative presentation, based on 30 years of direct study under the legendary yoga teacher Krishnamacharya. Da Capo Press. p. 28. ISBN 9781569244029. http://books.google.com/books?id=4lxjoht7W8oC&pg=PA28. Retrieved 9 April 2011.
- ^ Bell, Rosamund (1998). Simple yoga techniques. New Holland. p. 47. ISBN 9781864364187. http://books.google.com/books?id=VJUKAQAAMAAJ. Retrieved 9 April 2011.
- ^ Stewart, Mary (1998). Yoga. McGraw-Hill Trade. p. 68. ISBN 9780844202792. http://books.google.com/books?id=S6x6Ic1b9NkC. Retrieved 9 April 2011.
- ^ Mehta, Mira; Collins, Elaine (10 April 1998). How to use yoga: a step-by-step guide to the Iyengar method of yoga, for relaxation, health and well-being. Rodmell Press. p. 34. ISBN 9780962713866. http://books.google.com/books?id=V8vrAAAAMAAJ. Retrieved 9 April 2011.
- ^ Macdonell, Arthur Anthony (1924). A practical Sanskrit dictionary with transliteration, accentuation, and etymological analysis throughout. Motilal Banarsidass Publ.. p. 227. ISBN 9788120820005. http://books.google.com/books?id=laIPgMQF_XsC&pg=PA227. Retrieved 9 April 2011.
- ^ Sinha, S.C. (1 June 1996). Dictionary of Philosophy. Anmol Publications PVT. LTD.. p. 18. ISBN 9788170412939. http://books.google.com/books?id=-zzRvh1fRzEC&pg=PA18. Retrieved 9 April 2011.
[edit] Further reading
[edit] External links
