Furthermore, in high stages of meditation the practitioner loses control over the muscles of the body. The meditation asana, therefore, needs to hold the body in a steady position without conscious effort. Why not lie in shavasana, then, for meditation since it satisfies all the requirements? Because in shavasana there is a tendency to drift into sleep. It is essential to remain awake and alert while going through the various stages which lead to successful meditation.

Stillness:

When sitting in meditation postures, programme the mind with suggestions like, “I am as steady as a rock” or “I am becoming motionless like a statue”. This way the asana will quickly become steady and, after a while, will be comfortable for extended periods of time. This is the practice of kaya sthairyam, complete body stillness.

Precautions:

If there is severe discomfort or pain in the legs after sitting for some time in a meditation asana, slowly
unlock the legs and massage them. When the blood circulation has returned to normal and there is no pain, resume the asana. However, be aware that the knee is a very delicate and much abused joint of the body and be careful not to strain it, especially while moving into or out of these meditation asanas.  Do not on any account use undue force or strain to sit in a meditation asana.

Right or left leg: In all the asanas discussed in this chapter,

In all the asanas discussed in this chapter, either the left or the right leg may be placed uppermost. It is
a matter of personal preference and depends on whichever is the more comfortable. Ideally, the leg position should be alternated so that the balance on both sides of the body is maintained.

Practice note: A useful suggestion to make the following

A useful suggestion to make the following postures more comfortable is to place a small cushion under
the buttocks.

Note: Padmasana may seem out of place in the beginners’

Padmasana may seem out of place in the beginners’ group. It has been included, however, because a series of asanas in the intermediate group is performed using it as the base position.

Acu points: 10, 22, 26, 28, 66, 83.

Acupressure Point 10 (L1-18) for Diabetes :

Observe and feel a prominent, pointed structure on the front of the neck. This structure, popularly called the Adam’s apple, moves up and down when we talk or swallow.

Point 10 LI -18 lies four finger-widths away from the tip of the Adam’s apple.

Acupressure Point 22 (St-36) for Diabetes:

Bend the knee joint by 90  0 degrees•

Now from the lower border of the knee-cap, move three thumb-widths downwards. You will be able to feel a pointed bone at this level (marked V in the adjoining figure).

Point 22 (St-36) is located one finger-width to the outer side of this pointed bone.

Acupressure Point 26 (Sp-3) for Diabetes:

On the inner border of the foot, just after the base of the big toe is a rounded bony- prominence (the ball of the foot).

Point 26 (Sp-3) is located just behind this prominent bone.

Acupressure Point 28 (Sp-6) for Diabetes: above and below

At the inner aspect of the ankle joint is a prominent bone. Feel this’ bone and determine its tip. From this tip, move four finger-widths upwards, Mark this level.

Point 28 (Sp-6)  lies at this level, just behind the vertical leg-bone.

Acupressure Point 66 (GB-21) for Diabetes :

This point is located in a muscle, midway between the neck and the shoulder.

When correctly located, sharp pain is felt in this point.

This point is located in a muscle, midway between the neck and the shoulder.

When correctly located, sharp pain is felt in this point. 

Acupressure Point 83 (CV-12) for Diabetes :

This point is located four thumb-widths above the navel.

This point is located four thumb-widths above the navel.

Middle Part

The middle of the anus Chi is connected with the organs as fol­lows: the vagina-uterus, the aorta and vena cava, stomach, heart, thyroid and parathyroid glands, pituitary gland, pineal gland and the top of the head. (Figs. 2.2 and 2.3)

2.2 middle part of anus

2.3 left part of the anus

Neck Massage

A.Thyroid and Parathyroid: Site of Courage, the Power of Speech (Fig. 4.41)

The neck carries the busiest traffic in the body and is the seat of the thyroid and parathyroid glands. (Fig. 4.42) When you massage here, you increase the body’s metabolism. Neck tension can also be caused by emotional imbalance. When we are tense and ner­vous, we are responding to negative emotions, such as anger, fear and sadness. The neck is similar to a traffic bottleneck. All of the signals, as well as the emotions, have to pass through it. When under stress and under emotional strain, the neck starts to accu­mulate and jam the tension. Unconsciously, the neck muscles tighten, attempting to block out pain. Keeping the neck soft will help Chi flow to the higher center that is located in the brain, keep­ing the mind and body in harmony together.

Tension in the neck can make you less courageous. When the neck is tense, it will block self expression in the throat. With proper flow of Chi energy, we can express ourselves appropriately at the proper time, place, and in a proper way.

The neck is the passageway of many meridians and is the chan­nel of the Chi energy of the organs. In the middle is the Governor meridian. On the sides are the bladder meridian, the triple warmer meridian and the large intestine meridian. The emotions passing through the meridians of the neck may tense and jam up there.

Bring Chi Energy to the Hands.

Do the procedure for bringing energy to the hands and contract the front of the anus.

Whole Neck

Spread your thumbs apart from your other fingers. Alternating hands, rapidly wipe the neck from the chin to the base nine to thirty- six times. (Fig. 4.42 above)

Middle Neck

Alternating hands, use the middle three fingers to rapidly wipe down the middle of the neck from the chin to the base nine to thirty-six times. The thyroid and parathyroid glands are in the front section of the neck. Use your thumb and the three other fingers to mas­sage these glands. Find the painful points and massage them until you feel them open. Massaging this area will help to increase me­tabolism and the power of speaking.

Acupressure Point 5 (LI-4) :
This point lies in the flesh between the thumb and the index finger.
Presence of sharp pain on deep pressure confirms the fact that you have hit the right point.

Acupressure Point 10 (LI-18) :
Observe and feel a prominent, pointed structure on the front of the neck. This structure, popularly called the Adam’s apple, moves up and down when we talk or swallow.
Point 10 lies four finger-widths away from the tip of the Adam’s apple.

Acupressure Point 56 (P-6) :
This point is located at the centre of the forearm, two thumb-widths above the wrist-crease.

Acupressure Point 66 (GB-21) :
This point is located in a muscle, midway between the neck and the shoulder.

When correctly located, sharp pain is felt in this point.

Acupressure Point 85 (CV-22) :
This point is located at the base of the throat, in a shallow depression just above the vertical chest-bone.

pritvi mudra

PRITHIVI MUDRA (Earth Mudra)

TECHNIQUE:-

Place the tips of the thumb and ring finger on top of each other, using light pressure.  Extend the other fingers. Do this with each hand. Do as needed, or use three times a day for 15 minutes.

HEALING EFFECTS:-

The Prithivi Mudra can eliminate an energy deficit in the root chakra. Whether or not you feel psychologically or physically strong and vital is largely dependent upon this energy. This finger position also intensifies the sense of smell and is good for the nails, skin, hair, and bones. If you feel uncertain of your steps while walking, the Prithivi Mudra can restore your equilibrium and trust. This mudra also activates the root chakra, in which our elemental force resides. We can compare this chakra to the grafting knot of a rose. The potential for the appearance and nature of the plant is found here; the roots sprout into the ground from this point to give the plant stability and absorb the nutrients. The stem and leaves grow upward from this point to connect with the light, to blossom and bear fruit. Without reservation, this image can be applied to human beings as well. We also need stability and nourishment to grow and be effective in our place in the world. The purpose of our lives is to connect with the Divine, which means we must also orient ourselves toward the light and open up like a flower that is being pollinated. For us, this may mean experiencing grace. So this mudra can give us everything that we need for a meaningful life. I use it when I feel insecure and need inner stability and self-assurance. Moreover, it stimulates the body temperature, the liver, and the stomach.