Pavanamuktasana

What Does Pavanamuktasana Mean?

Pavanamuktasana is a healing pose that is effective in helping release gas in the abdomen while massaging the entire back and spine. The name is derived from the Sanskrit, pavana, meaning "wind"; mukta, meaning "to release"; and asana, meaning "pose."

From a supine position, the yogi bends both legs and hugs them into the body with the arms wrapped around the shins. At the same time, the chin tucks toward the chest. The head may rest on the ground or be lifted toward the knees. Some yogis practice the pose in three segments by first hugging one leg at a time into the chest and then hugging both legs together.

Pavanamuktasana is commonly referred to in English as wind relieving pose, wind liberating pose or wind removing pose.

Yogapedia Explains Pavanamuktasana

Pavanamuktasana activates the flow of prana in the manipura (solar plexus) chakra. Activation of this chakra helps increase self-esteem, motivation and joy. It is the seat of spiritual power and responsible for generating willpower and feelings of vitality. When manipura is balanced, the yogi feels self-confident, motivated and decisive. This chakra also controls metabolism and digestion.

The one- verses two-legged portions of the pose are sometimes described as separate postures: dwi pada pavanamuktasana (two-leg wind-relieving pose) and eka pada pavanamuktasana (one-leg wind-relieving pose).