U T K A T A S A N A

ETYMOLOGY:
The Sanskrit word UTKATASANA comes from the root "UT" that means "to rise". The English for KATA is "to squat". Therefore, the translation for UTKATASANA is "the raised squat pose".
This posture is presented in GHERANDA SAMHITA as follows: "Being squat and leaning on the toes, you raise your heels under the anus. The heels have to be apart from one another. Then, place your elbows on your kneels and your fingers on your face."


EXECUTION AND SUBTLE ENERGY EFFECTS:
In order to practice hatha yoga you need to have experienced supervision; also, being part of a yoga practice group helps. Some asanas have medical counter indications - we urge you not to consider this site a guide to the practice of hatah yoga. We chose not to publish this information on the SivaSakti.COM website; you can find it in the yoga classes organized by our school.

BENEFICIAL EFFECTS:

• The feet and ankles get stronger. The toes are elasticized. The muscles of the legs are toned and the knees become more supple.
• The constant practice of UTKATASANA gradually cures the painful diseases of the joints.
• It stimulates the cerebellum activity. The reflexes become more accurate, and therefore the human being gets more agility.
• The PC muscle becomes stronger due to ASHWINI MUDRA, MULA BANDHA and also due to the pressure of the heels on the anus. Thus, the flow of blood in the genitals is intensified. In the case of men, the hormonal secretion of gonads is enhanced, which leads to the increasing of his virility. In the case of women, this asana eliminates the pains during period and even the irregular periods. It is better to practice it few days before periods in order to obtain the best results of UTKATASANA.
• The very well known yogi Brahmachary considered this pose as being very useful for getting a perfect control over the sexual energy.
• When it is accompanied by Uddiyana Bandha, the internal organs situated in the inferior part of the abdomen will be irrigated with more blood.
• If it is practiced regularly, this posture stimulates the cortisone secretion of the suprarenal glands.
• The sanguine circulation is more intensified. Thus, the nervous system activity will be enhanced.