Yoga Posture - Full Boat

Yoga posture Full Boat " (Paripurna Navasana)

This Yoga posture resembles a boat viewed from a side, hence the name.

The Boat is a challenging yoga posture that can be quite stressful and difficult to accomplish. Because of that it can restrict the breathing or develop a habit of holding the breath. Learning to breathe deeply and fully in this posture will revitalize the body (by bringing in more oxygen per breath) and help to eliminate toxins and waste products from the body.

In the Boat posture it is important to balance the weight on the pelvic bowl. If you have limited hip flexibility because of the tight hamstrings, keeping the back straight will be a real challenge.

The Boat posture strengthens the abdomen, hip flexors, and the spine and is often presented as an abdominal strengthener. But more importantly this posture strengthens the deep hip flexors that attach the inner thigh bones to the front of the spine.

This yoga posture stimulates the kidneys, thyroid gland, intestines, and improves digestion. It is good stresses relieve exercise.

The Boat yoga posture has many benefits; however, there are some health conditions where this posture should not be practiced.

Three reasons (out of many) not to do Boat:

• During pregnancy avoid this yoga posture as it compresses the abdomen.

• If you are suffering from headaches do not attempt this posture.

• If you have upset stomach or diarrhea do not practice this yoga posture because of the compression of the abdomen.

Caution: Always check with your doctor if you have any doubts or concerns regarding the suitability of this yoga pose for you. The reader of this article should exercise all precautions and it is best to do this yoga posture in prsence of qualified yoga teacher.

Issued in the interest of people practicing Hatha Yoga by Subodh Gupta, Yoga Expert based in London. Mr.Subodh Gupta, a Corporate Yoga Trainer has conducted more than 500 workshops on Yoga and Stress Management. subodhgupta.com