Discussion Forum: General Discussion: Iyengar Yoga: maha mudra

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Discussion Forum: General Discussion: Iyengar Yoga:
maha mudra

myka
Regular

Mar 23, 2004, 12:44 AM

Post #1 of 4 (1474 views)
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maha mudra	Can't Post

I am trying to learn maha mudra but have found that even after just three or four cycles of breath my back starts to feel strained. I have reasonable hamstring flexibility, don't normally have problems with my back, and I generally maintain a strong, active and regular asana practice. For maha mudra I have been sitting on a pad and using a long-ish belt loop round my outstretched foot to ensure my back stays straight. Any tips? Thanks.

Bryan Alexander
Enthusiast / Moderator

Mar 23, 2004, 10:42 AM

Post #2 of 4 (1454 views)
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Re: maha mudra [In reply to]	Can't Post

A possibility: maintain maximum lift of shoulders to lift ribs away from your waist and lengthen your spine.
It is challenging, even to a healthy back, to maintain an erect spine in this posture. Is it not?

myka
Regular

Apr 3, 2004, 10:33 PM

Post #3 of 4 (1406 views)
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Re: maha mudra [In reply to]	Can't Post

Thank you for your reply -- I've found your suggestion helpful. I have also found it seems to be *easier* if I hold my toe with my fingers rather than using a belt. It *is* challenging, but they say when you master the technique you can eat poison without being harmed! ;-)

Bryan Alexander
Enthusiast / Moderator

Apr 5, 2004, 5:22 AM

Post #4 of 4 (1383 views)
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Re: maha mudra [In reply to]	Can't Post

Yes, they say you can eat poison without being harmed, but they don't say whether your back will ache a little.

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