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Benefits of Swastikasana and How to Do it By Dr. Himani Bisht

By Dr. Himani Bisht +2 more

Introduction

Yoga has been performed across the globe by people of all ages, including children, adults, and senior citizens. It has been trained in various places, including parks, houses, temples, gyms, and yoga studios. Yoga is slowly becoming a profit-making industry as several people have been interested in yoga. Some of the more contemporary variations of yoga include Yogalates and Yogarobics. Asanas, or meditative positions, are frequently used in yoga. These poses have several advantages for human health.1 Of all these asanas, Swastikasana is one of the major and beneficial to human life. Let us examine and read a few advantages of swastikasana. 

What is Swastikasana?

Swastikasana is a yoga pose based on the name and qualities of the symbol swastika. Swastik marks have been important since ancient days and have been found in houses and painted on weapons. Swastikasana is an auspicious pose yoga. It has been considered an important symbol in Jain, Buddhist, and Hindu religions. Swastika means auspicious, and swastikasana is one of the best postures for meditating. It plays an essential role in regulating the body and the mind.2 

Based on my knowledge and experience, I find that Swastikasana might offer numerous benefits, particularly for individuals experiencing fluid retention in their legs. By practising Swastikasana, you may improve swelling and promote overall leg health.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

How to Do It?

You can do swastikas ana in the following way: 

  • Sit comfortably on the ground and spread your legs in front of you. 
  • Start by folding your left leg and the sole of your left leg against the inner thigh of your right leg. 
  • Bend the right leg and keep your right foot in the space between the calf muscles and the left thigh. Next, catch your left foot with the help of your toes and try to pull up to keep in between the right thigh and calf. 
  • Knees must touch the floor and relax in that position in which your body should be vertical. 
  • Keep your hands on your knees and control your breath. 
  • Further, you can concentrate on your nose or eyebrow depending on your meditation type. 
  • Be in this position for 10 to 15 minutes.3 

From what I have seen, Swastikasana may provide some relief and give your muscles a much-needed break. It is actually a pretty awesome sitting position, especially if you’re dealing with tired and aching muscles.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Do You Know?

Some of the interesting facts about swastikas ana are: 

  • Here, the swastika signifies the various poles of the earth and universe, the spokes, their meeting points, and common points of awareness. Swastikasana may be one of the most important asanas for understanding the unity of existence.3 
  • Jain god Lord Adinath calls swastikasana “one of the most important poses.”2 
  • Swastikasana is considered the posture of Lord Surya.2 

Based on my observations, I may say that Swastikasana might be quite helpful for individuals who experiencing extreme temperatures on their feet, whether it’s excessive cold or heat. Furthermore, it may offer relief for those dealing with foot discomfort, such as aching or excessive sweating.

Dr. Smita barode, BAMS, M.S.

Benefits of Swastikasana:

Some of the potential benefits are as follows: 

1. Benefits of Swastikasana for Cancer

A study by Narahari et al. in 2016 showed that a yoga protocol consisting of swastikasana might be beneficial in the case of breast cancer. It may help reduce lymphedema and swelling in the lymph nodes, usually caused by breast cancer cells.4 However, further studies are required to check if swastikasana benefits breast cancer. Therefore, you must consult your doctor if you have been diagnosed with cancer instead of self-medicating. 

2. Benefits of Swastikasana for Lowering Blood Pressure

A study by Ankolekar et al. in 2019 showed that a yoga protocol consisting of swastikasana might help to lower blood pressure. Swastikasana may relax the blood vessels and, therefore, lower blood pressure.5 However, further studies are required to check if swastikasana may be beneficial for lowering blood pressure. You must check your blood pressure regularly and consult your doctor in case of abnormal blood pressure. 

3. Benefits of Swastikasana for Improving Flexibility

A study by Bal et al. in 2009 showed that performing a yoga protocol consisting of swastikasana may help to improve agility and flexibility of the lower back and hamstring muscles. However, further studies are required to check if swastikasana may be beneficial for improving agility and flexibility.6 

4. Benefits of Swastikasana for Osteoarthritis

A study by Bukowski et al. in 2007 showed that a yoga protocol consisting of swastikasana might be beneficial for knee osteoarthritis. A yoga intervention may reduce pain and improve strength and flexibility in osteoarthritis patients.7 However, further studies are required to check if swastikasana may benefit osteoarthritis. Therefore, you must consult your doctor if you suspect osteoarthritis. 

5. Benefits of Swastikasana for Weight Management

A study by Kumari et al. in 2011 showed that a yoga protocol consisting of swastikasana might help to reduce weight. The result suggested decreased BMI (body mass index), waist and hip circumference, and fat-free mass.8 However, further studies are required to check if swastikasana may help to reduce weight. Therefore, you must consult a dietician to get a proper workout routine. 

6. Benefits of Swastikasana to Manage Anxiety

A study by Annapoorna et al. in 2011 showed that a yoga protocol consisting of swastikasana might be beneficial for managing anxiety. Performing yoga may improve self-control, vitality, and general health in people with anxiety disorders. Additionally, anxiety and depression symptoms may also be reduced by performing swastikasana9. However, further studies are required to check if swastikasana may be beneficial in managing anxiety. You must consult your doctor if you suspect any symptoms of anxiety. 

7. Benefits of Swastikasana for Enhancing Immunity

A study by Hrushikesh et al. in 2017 showed that a yoga protocol consisting of swastikasana might enhance immunity in HIV patients. Swastikasana may increase the number of lymphocytes and neutrophils (types of white blood cells), which may increase immunity by fighting against various infections in the body.10 However, further studies are required to check if swastikasana may help to enhance immunity.  

8. Benefits of Swastikasana for Concentration and Memory

A study by Aryal et al. in 2022 showed that a yoga protocol consisting of swastikasana might improve the concentration and memory of the students. It may enhance the attention, self-esteem, and self-regulation of the students.11 However, further studies are required to check if swastikasana may improve concentration and memory. 

Other Benefits of Swastikasana:

  • Swastikasana may help to combat cold2 
  • It may help to reduce back pain 2 
  • Swastikasana may help in case of varicose veins (enlarged veins on the surface of the skin)3 
  • Swastikasana may help in case of sacral infection (pain in the lower back, hip, thigh, or buttocks)3 

Yoga practice and training may help develop the mind and body. However, it is not an alternative to modern medicine. Therefore, you must not rely on yoga alone to treat any condition. Instead, please consult a qualified doctor who can assess your condition and advise accordingly. Furthermore, it is necessary to practice and learn yoga under the supervision of a trained yoga teacher to avoid any injuries. 

Risks of Swastikasana

The risks associated with swastikasana may be as follows: 

  • You must avoid doing swastikasana if you have any issues related to the spine, sacral infections or sciata2,3 
  • You must be cautious before performing swastikasana if you have pain in the knees2 

With the guidance of a qualified and experienced yoga teacher/yoga expert, continue to have proper training with precautions. 

Conclusion

Swastikasana is a yoga pose based on the name and qualities of the symbol swastika. Swastika means auspicious, and swastikasana is one of the best postures for meditating. It plays an essential role in regulating the body and the mind. Swastikasana may be beneficial for breast cancer survivors. It may help to lower blood pressure, improve flexibility, reduce weight, manage anxiety, and enhance immunity. It may reduce pain in the case of osteoarthritis and improve concentration and memory. You must avoid doing swastikasana if you have sciatica, sacral infection, or any problem with the spine. People with knee pain should refrain from doing this pose. You should perform this pose under the guidance of a trained professional. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are swastikasana benefits? 

Swastikasana may act against breast cancer survivors. It may help to lower blood pressure, improve flexibility, reduce weight, manage anxiety, and enhance immunity. It may reduce pain in the case of osteoarthritis and improve concentration and memory.4-11 

What are the risks associated with swastikasana? 

Avoid doing swastikasana if you have sciatica, sacral infection, or any problem with the spine. People with knee pain should refrain from doing this pose.2,3 You should perform this pose under the guidance of a trained professional. 

How does swastikasana yoga help in the case of cancer? 

A yoga protocol consisting of swastikasana may reduce lymphedema and swelling in the lymph nodes, usually caused by breast cancer survivors.4 However, you must consult your doctor if you have been diagnosed with cancer instead of self-medicating. 

How does swastikasana help in the case of osteoarthritis? 

A yoga protocol consisting of swastikasana might be beneficial for knee osteoarthritis. A yoga intervention may reduce pain and improve strength and flexibility in osteoarthritis patients.7 However, further studies are required to check if swastikasana may benefit osteoarthritis. Therefore, you must consult your doctor if you suspect osteoarthritis. 

How do you perform swastikasana? 

Sit upright with your legs straight in front of you. To prevent the heel and perineum from making contact, flex the left knee and place the sole of the left foot against the inside of the right thigh. To prevent the heel of the right foot from touching the pubis, bend the right knee and position it between the left thigh and calf muscle. Grab the left foot’s toes and raise them into the space between the right thigh and calf. Make the position more comfortable by adjusting it. Knees should be firmly planted on the ground. Adjust your spine. Kneel with your hands on the chin or Chinmaya mudras.3 

References:

  1. Singleton M, Byrne J, editors. Yoga in the modern world. London: Routledge; 2008. Available from: https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203894996 
  2. Shipra. Swastikasana Yoga: Method, benefits, and precautions [Internet]. Excelebiz. 2021 [cited 2022Dec16]. Available from: https://www.excelebiz.in/swastikasana-yoga/ 
  3. Saraswati SS, Hiti JK. Asana pranayama mudra bandha. Bihar, India: Yoga Publications Trust; 1996. Available from: https://thelonerider.com/pdf/asana_pranayama_mudra_bandha.pdf 
  4. Narahari SR, Aggithaya MG, Thernoe L, Bose KS, Ryan TJ. Yoga protocol for treatment of breast cancer-related lymphedema. International Journal of Yoga. 2016 Jul;9(2):145. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4959325/ 
  5. Ankolekar VH, Reddy GG, Sanju CS, Mamatha H. Role of yoga intervention on quality of life and prehypertension. Available from: http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/bitstream/123456789/47074/3/IJTK%2018%282%29%20351-355.pdf 
  6. Bal BS, Kaur PJ. Effects of selected asanas in hatha yoga on agility and flexibility level. J Sport Health Res. 2009;1(2):75-87. Available from: https://recyt.fecyt.es/index.php/JSHR/issue/view/4175/770#page=9 
  7. Bukowski EL, Conway A, Glentz LA, Kurland K, Galantino ML. The effect of iyengar yoga and strengthening exercises for people living with osteoarthritis of the knee: a case series. International Quarterly of Community Health Education. 2006 Oct;26(3):287-305. Available from: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.2190/IQ.26.3.f 
  8. KM DG, Sukesh N. EFFECT OF YOGA THERAPY ON BODY MASS INDEX AND OXIDATIVE STATUS. Journal of Health and Allied Sciences NU. 2011 Sep;1(01/03):10-4. Available from: https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/pdf/10.1055/s-0040-1703512.pdf 
  9. Annapoorna K, Latha K, Bhat SM, Bhandary PV. Effect of yoga therapy on psychological well-being and quality of life in anxiety disorder. Int J Yoga Allied Sci. 2011;2:97-103. Available from: http://indianyoga.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/v2-issue2-article4.pdf 
  10. Hrushikesh P, Sharma KK. Assessment of Therapeutic Effect of Yogic Practices on the Immune Response and Body Weight of HIV Infected Subjects: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Assessment. 2017 Nov;6. Available from: http://indianyoga.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/vol-6-suppissue1.pdf 
  11. Aryal LP. Effects of Yoga-teaching and Practices on Learning and Studying Behaviour of Management Students: An Experimental Study. The Batuk. 2022 Mar 30;8(1):65-81. Available from: https://www.nepjol.info/index.php/batuk/article/download/43508/32943 

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