If you want to make your hands stronger, then this is just what you need. But that is just a part of the story. When you raise yourself, on just the hands, you get to engage your core muscles, and the legs as well. Tolungasana or weighing scale pose is considered as a pose or asana which is at intermediate level, but very effective. You will also be able to learn it as a part of the Yoga Teacher Training in India.
When you are at it, the body resembles a weighing scale, and that is why the name. You need to learn how to do it, and practice it daily after that, for the benefits. Let us delve into it.
How To Do The Tolangulasana?
Before we begin, it is important for you to keep certain things in mind. You must practice the asana on an empty stomach, and preferably in the wee hours of the morning.
If you are unable to practice in the morning, you can do it in the evening. However, you must not eat within 3-4 hours, before the practice.
If you keep these in mind, you get to garner all the benefits associated with the asana. Your body will also feel lighter, while you lift yourself up.
So, now that you are aware of the preparation, let us begin.
First Variation
- At first, you must sit in a cross-legged position, as the Padmasana.
- Thereafter, place both the hands below the buttocks, and sit on the hands.
- When you are sitting on the hands, ensure that the thumbs point towards the outside.
- Slowly rest the elbows on the floor or mat, while reclining the body backward.
- Raise the head and upper part of the body, aligning the same in one line at a 45 degree angle.
- On the other side, also raise the cross-legs to the same degree, for maximum effect.
- So, your body will be balanced solely on the buttocks and your palms, stabilising them.
While reverting back to the starting pose, slowly remove the palms from beneath the buttocks and lower the upper and lower body.
This is one way to do this asana. There is another way you can do it, as taught in the yoga teacher training in rishikesh. Let us understand that as well.
Second Variation
You can call it a further advanced version. You must start this as below.
- Sit in Dandasana and then place the palms on the floor or mat, beside the buttocks.
- The fingertips must point in front.
- Slowly inhale and then exhale, while lifting the body with the hands. Your legs should be stretched in front of you.
- Stay in this balanced position, while engaging your core muscles.
- Return to the earlier pose, and relax.
- You can repeat the pose 3-5 times.
You will be able to learn the above pose and its variation, as a part of the 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training in Bali.
To be precise, there is a third version as well. In it, you lift your body in Padmasana.
When you practice this pose on a daily basis, you will gain a sense of balance and your chest will also become more attractive. This is just one side to it. Let us explore the broader benefits, one by one.
Benefits Of Tolangulasana
- One of the main benefits of the pose is arm strengthening. As you are working against your total body weight, the arms get impacted the most.
- You also engage your core muscles, thus strengthening them too.
- Your shoulder muscles, arm muscles and wrist muscles get a deep stretch.
- As you involve the abdominal muscles, your abdominal organs also get a good massage. So, digestion improves.
- Your chakras are also benefitted, as a part of the practice.
- When you are practicing this asana, engaging in Uddhiyana bandha and Mula bandha is quite common. Thus, clearing out the toxins, as well.
- You will likely notice all the stress and tension from your body melting away.
Conclusion
Now, you can join Samadhi Yoga Ashram in Rishikesh, to get complete benefits of the asana. This is an extremely beneficial pose, which gives a full body workout. It is important to join a renowned school for the training in yoga, to get proper guidance. The Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh is one of the best courses that any yoga enthusiast can choose. It helps in self-practice management and learning deeply as well. You also have the liberty to propagate the knowledge in your circles, professionally.