Yoga Postures
Asana is defined as “posture or pose;” its literal meaning is “seat.” Originally, there was only one asana–a stable and comfortable pose for prolonged seated meditation. More than just stretching and toning the physical body, the yoga poses open the nadis (energy channels) and chakras (psychic centers) of the body. Yoga poses also purify and help heal the body, as well as control, calm and focus the mind. If you have not practiced yoga postures before, please read our yoga beginner’s guide.
Yoga Pose Catagories
While there is no definitive way to categorize yoga postures, there are four main physical orientations that can be helpful for researching and sequencing asanas. In general, these groups of yoga poses will share similar energetic and physical effects.
Yoga Posture Types
The above main categories of yoga poses can also be categorized into the yoga pose types below. You can also filter by these posture types on the above main pose category pages.
Backbending Yoga Poses
Energetic Effect: Energizing
Physical Effect: Strengthens Back & Core, Opens Chest
Side Bending Yoga Poses
Energetic Effect: Harmonizing • Physical Effect: Sides of Torso & Sides of Legs