Popularly known as the accomplished pose, Siddhasana is a Sanskrit word with Siddha and Asana combined together. While the first word, Siddha’ means ‘to accomplish’, the latter word, ‘asana’ means posture.
It was way back in the 14th century, when Siddhasana was considered as the fourth yoga pose and still has been effective for those who practice meditation.
According to the Hatha yoga Pradipika, the pose purifies 72,000 channels and helps the person to stay energetic with the flow of Prana.
So, as you scroll ahead, let’s look at the health benefits and the steps for performing the asana.
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Siddhasana Steps
As you proceed in getting into the pose, you first need to attain dandasana. You can later follow the steps that have been compiled below.
Step 1: Soon after you practice dandasana, you first need to spread your legs slightly. After a few seconds, you need to bend your left knee and bring the left heel closer to the groins.
Step 2: Afterwards, you need to shift the left knee to the floor and rotate it from the hip joint. Ideally, the position of the heel should be in the area between the anus and the genitals.
Step 3: Moving ahead, you then have to bend your right knee and place the right foot just above the left foot. Soon after placing the ankle on top of the left ankle, you should position the right foot between the hamstrings and the left calf.
Step 4: Now, try adjusting the body until you are comfortable and you feel the pressure of the heel. Make sure you press the pubis with the help of the top heel and see to it that the genitals are between the two heels.
Step 5: After a couple of seconds, you need to bring the thumb and forefinger closer to each other and attain the Gyana Mudra. You should also rest the hands on the knees with palms facing in the upward direction.
Step 6: As you hold the pose, you need to inhale and exhale air for gaining positive energy and driving away negative thoughts.
Step 7: In the end, you need to slide the right foot, keep the right leg straight, and come back to the dandasana. You should follow the same step with the left leg as well.
Preparatory & Follow Up Poses
Dandasana / staff pose is the preparatory pose that has to be practiced before Siddhasana.
Soon after you hold the pose for some time, you need to practice some follow-up poses to relax your muscles. These include Anulom Vilom (The Alternate Nostril Breathing), Vajrasana (The diamond pose), Kapalbhati Pranayama, Uttanasana (The standing forward bending pose), Balasana (The child pose), and Dhanurasana (The bow pose).
Tips for Beginners
There actually nothing specific that a beginner needs to take care about. But, once the individual decides to get into the accomplished pose, he can think about placing a piece of cloth beneath the locked ankles.
For improving the posture, the individual can also place a blanket just below the buttocks. This tip would also help in keeping the spine straight while you are performing the asana.
In order to reduce the stress around the hips, the individual can lift the hips just above the knees. This would aid in offering room for your groins and aligning the spine in the right way.
If the individual can’t sit upright, then he can take the support of the wall. Keeping a yoga block between the shoulder blades and wall is yet another way to straighten the back.
In case the person finds it tough to attain the Siddhasana pose, then he should first practice Sukhasana for enhancing flexibility and increasing strength within the body.
If the person is fat, then he should first master the Ardha Siddhasana pose. In such a kind of pose, he needs to place one foot in front of the other instead of placing it just above the other one.
Siddhasana Benefits
Now, let’s have a look at the health benefits of practicing Siddhasana.
Revitalizes The Body
Regular practice of Siddhasana keeps the individual fit and energetic. The pose helps in directing the energy from the lower torso upwards through the spine. Moreover, the asana aids in calming down the nervous system and stimulating the body.
Maintains Hormonal Balance
As the individual practices the asana regularly, the pressure on the perineum helps to control the production of hormones like the testosterone. This, in turn, helps men who are seeking a solution for problems associated with the prostate.
Activates Mudras
While the lower foot comes closer to the Muladhara chakra, the pose stimulates moola bandha. This eventually helps to get rid of disorders because the vajroli mudra gets activated automatically.
Improves Digestion
Once the individual gets into the pose, the asana strengthens the abdomen and offers a massage to the organs. This boosts the functionality of the organs and thereby improves the digestion process.
Tones The Spine
If the individual is practicing the pose regularly, then it enhances the blood circulation around the lower spine. This makes the lumbar region and the pelvis stronger than you had ever imagined. He can always perceive a difference as far as flexibility is concerned.
Relaxes The Mind
The accomplished pose not only helps to balance the mind but also relieves the person from depression and stress. While the mood is considerably improved, the individual can think in a better way and carry out the tasks productively.
Siddhasana Vs Padmasana
Even though Siddhasana and Padmasana are known to be cross-legged seated postures, both of them are quite different.
While Siddhasana involves tucking the toes into the thighs, Padmasana refers to tucking the feet near the hips.
In the accomplished pose, the individual usually keeps the knees a distance apart. But, while Padmasana is performed, the knees are together and closer to each other.
Finally, if the person has undergone a surgery near the back or the spine, he should never think about practicing the Siddhasana posture. In case he is suffering from arthritis or lower back pain, then he should also refrain from doing the asana.
