Although it may appear archaic, the human body has relied on sitting cross-legged on the floor for generations. Floor sitting used to be a commonplace aspect of daily living, whether it was for eating, resting, or meditation. It has gradually been replaced by spending a lot of time in chairs and couches these days, which raises the risk of stiffness, poor posture, and decreased flexibility.
When you sit cross-legged, your body automatically activates muscles that are usually dormant while sitting in a chair. The hips open, the spine lengthens, and the mind calms. Additionally, whether you are eating, breathing, or just sitting quietly, this position promotes slower motions and increased awareness. Indeed, it can enhance your general health, flexibility, blood circulation, and digestion.
Six floor-based cross-legged yoga positions to practice
The following six cross-legged yoga poses can be done daily to boost your health:
1. Sukhasana, or easy posture
It promotes gradual hip opening, enhances posture, and soothes the mind. How to execute:
- Take a comfortable seat with your legs crossed.
- Maintain a straight spine and relaxed shoulders.
- Put your hands on your knees.
- Shut your eyes and take a deep breath.
- Hold for one to three minutes.
2. Padmasana, or lotus posture
It improves spinal alignment, flexibility, and focus. How to execute:
- Sit with your legs out in front of you.
- Put one foot on the thigh on the other side.
- Place the other foot on the thigh on the opposite side.
- Maintain an erect spine.
- Take slow, deep breaths.
3. Bound angle pose
Bound angle pose, also known as Baddha Konasana, increases blood flow to the pelvic area and expands the hips. How to execute:
Place both soles of your feet together while you sit.
Use your hands to hold your feet.
Keep your knees relaxed and sit up straight.
Take steady breaths.
For 30 to 60 seconds, hold.
4. Gomukhasana, or cow-face posture
It increases joint mobility and stretches the thighs and hips. How to execute:
- Place your knees on top of one another.
- Place your hips evenly.
- Maintain a straight spine.
- Let your shoulders drop.
- Switch sides and hold.
5. The half lotus pose
The half lotus pose, also known as Ardha Padmasana, enhances posture and progressively increases flexibility. How to execute:
- Put one foot on the thigh on the other side.
- The opposite leg should remain folded below.
- Take a straight seat.
- Let your shoulders drop.
- Hold for a few breaths.
6. Eagle position (sitting version of Garudasana)
It increases joint flexibility, balance, and focus. How to execute:
- Take a cross-legged seat.
- Put one arm beneath the other.
- Gently raise your elbows.
- Breathe and sit up straight.
- Change your arms.
The advantages of sitting on the floor with your legs crossed
Try sitting cross-legged on the floor for the following seven reasons:
1. Encourages weight control and attentive eating
Eating on the floor promotes slower, more focused meals. By facilitating the vagus nerve’s transmission of signals from the stomach to the brain, this position facilitates the recognition of fullness. Eating slowly promotes better weight management and frequently stops overeating.
2. Enhances blood flow
Blood flow is more effectively transferred through the heart to essential organs when one is cross-legged, helping internal processes including digestion. This posture encourages improved circulation generally, in contrast to chair sitting, which causes blood to stagnate in the feet.
3. Encourages improved digestion
Digestive fluids are stimulated when eating while bending slightly forward and then standing back up. Cross-legged sitting encourages the brain to get the digestive system ready, which facilitates food digestion.
4. Boosts posture naturally
Sitting on the floor relaxes the shoulders, expands the chest, and promotes a straight spine. This position helps relieve daily discomfort brought on by slouching by reducing strain on the neck, back, knees, and joints.
5. Boosts joint strength and flexibility
Frequent floor sitting helps to gently extend the spine, hips, knees, and ankles. These simple yet regular motions enhance mobility, strengthen the core, and increase flexibility.
6. Could promote longevity
People who could sit on the floor and stand up without assistance had a lower risk of dying, according to a study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology.
7. Enhances concentration and calms the mind
Sitting cross-legged naturally encourages mental calm. Because it increases oxygen flow throughout the body, lowers stress, and improves attention, it is frequently used for meditation.
Disclaimer:
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a health advice. We would ask you to consult a qualified professional or medical expert to gain additional knowledge before you choose to consume any product or perform any exercise.
