asanas

Asanas are a group of physical postures used in the practice of yoga. The term comes from Sanskrit asana, meaning “seat” or “posture.” In classical yoga, asanas are one of the eight limbs described by the sage Patanjali; the primary aim is to achieve steadiness and ease in the body so the mind can focus. Early descriptions emphasized comfortable, stable positions suitable for meditation, rather than athletic performance. Over time, the scope of asanas broadened, and many postures were codified in Hatha yoga and modern yoga texts, leading to a wide variety of practices.

Today, asanas are used for physical health, flexibility, strength, balance, and relaxation, and are often practiced alongside breathing exercises (pranayama). The practice may be gentle and restorative or vigorous and flowing. Common categories include seated postures, standing poses, backbends, forward bends, twists, and inversions, with well-known examples such as Tadasana (mountain pose), Adho Mukha Svanasana (downward-facing dog), Vrksasana (tree pose), and Savasana (corpse pose), the latter serving as a relaxation pose rather than a standing posture.

Safety considerations emphasize gradual progression, proper alignment, and the use of props to accommodate varying flexibility and health conditions. Asanas are taught across many schools and styles and are often integrated with breath work and meditation to support overall well-being.