SankalpYogshala

Journal

The Journal

Articles on asanas, pranayama, meditation, diet and holistic wellbeing.

Asanas
1 min read

Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend): Stretch the Whole Back Body

Sit, fold, and breathe into the spine. This intense forward bend lengthens the hamstrings and quiets the mind — when you stop pulling.

Asanas
1 min read

Ardha Matsyendrasana (Half Spinal Twist): Wring Out the Spine

A seated twist that increases spinal mobility, massages the belly and teaches you to lengthen before you turn.

Asanas
1 min read

Gomukhasana (Cow Face Pose): Open Shoulders, Stacked Hips

Knees stack, arms clasp behind the back — a deep opener for tight shoulders, triceps and outer hips.

Asanas
1 min read

Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose): A Gentle Backbend to Wake the Spine

Lift the chest like a cobra from the navel. This prone backbend strengthens the back, opens the lungs and counters long hours of sitting.

Asanas
1 min read

Dhanurasana (Bow Pose): Bend Like a Bow, Breathe Like a Wave

Catch the ankles and lift. This full-body backbend opens the chest, strengthens the back and massages the belly.

Asanas
1 min read

Shalabhasana (Locust Pose): Strength for a Tired Lower Back

Lift the legs and chest from the belly. A small-looking pose that quietly builds the entire back chain.

Asanas
1 min read

Makarasana (Crocodile Pose): Rest That Heals the Back

A prone rest pose used after backbends. The belly breathes into the floor and the lower back unclenches.

Asanas
1 min read

Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose): A Gentle Arch for Chest and Spine

Lift the pelvis into a bridge. This accessible backbend opens the chest, strengthens the legs and soothes the nervous system.

Asanas
1 min read

Matsyasana (Fish Pose): Open the Throat, Expand the Breath

A chest-opening backbend often used as the counterpose to Shoulderstand. The throat, lungs and heart get space.

Asanas
1 min read

Halasana (Plough Pose): Fold Over, Quiet the Mind

An inversion that takes the feet over the head to the floor. It stretches the spine and is traditionally practised after Shoulderstand.

Asanas
1 min read

Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand): The Queen of Asanas

An inversion on the shoulders that bathes the brain in fresh blood, soothes the nerves and is traditionally said to benefit the thyroid.

Asanas
1 min read

Shavasana (Corpse Pose): The Art of Complete Stillness

The most important asana of the practice — lying still until the body forgets itself and the mind quiets.