Hello and welcome back! This will be my third part of Yoga Poses Explained – Mental and Physical Effects and I hope you enjoy it in the same way as you did with the former 2 parts. So I do not have to explain what this is all about and we can just start now – enjoy reading and later practising!
Your muscular body

Your brain and its functions
Explanation of the different parts of the brain and their functions

Cerebrum – the outer part of the brain
Responsible for memory, conciousness, attention, language and thought
Frontal lobe
Responsible for personality, behaviour and emotions
Parietal lobe
Puts things in order when writing or reading or doing numbers
Temporal lobe
Responsible for understanding things we see and hear, remembering, recognizing and naming things
Occiptal lobe
Processes information from our eyes
Cerebellum
Controls movement, balance and posture
Physical and mental effects of the following 10 poses:
1. Bound angle pose
Bound angle pose – see https://eaglenfalcon.org/yoga-for-foot-pain-get-help-here/
Physical effects – see parts involved below in red
- stimulates and massages abdominal organs
- stimulates ovaries and prostate gland, bladder and kidneys
- stimulates the heart and improves general circulation
- stretches inner thighs, groins and knees
- soothes menstrual discomfort and sciatica
- helps relieve the symptoms of menopause
- improves digestion
- stretches spine and shoulders
Mental effects
- relieves stress, anxiety, fatigue and depression
- helps with emotional stability
- decreases fear of intimacy
- perfect pose for meditation
2. Butterfly pose
Butterfly pose – see https://eaglenfalcon.org/yoga-for-mental-health-find-a-practical-solution/
Physical effects – see parts involved below in red
- regulates menstrual flow and keeps the kidneys, bladder and prostate healthy
- discharges any toxins from reproductive area
- opens up the groin area and hip joint
- softens the shoulders
- stimulates connective tissues of groin for healthier ligaments, fascia and tendons
- helps relieve urinary disorders, sciatica pain and hernia
Mental effects
- helps to release stress
- perfect pose for meditation
- guides the path towards internal reflection
- gives relief from tension and headaches
- links to the emotional and pleasure needs
- gives a sense of safety and security
3. Dolphin pose
Dolphin pose – https://eaglenfalcon.org/yoga-and-fitness-start-today/
Physical effects – see parts involved below in red
- strengthens arms, legs and shoulders
- opens shoulders and upper back
- stretches shoulders, hamstrings and calves
- helps relieve the symptoms of menopause
- relieves menstrual discomfort
- helps prevent osteoporosis
- improves digestion
Mental effects
- calms the brain and helps relieve stress and mild depression
- feeds the brain by bringing more blood to head and face
- relieves tension
- improves memory, concentration and increases awareness
4. Eagle pose
Eagle pose – see https://eaglenfalcon.org/yoga-for-foot-pain-get-help-here/
Physical effects – see parts involved below in red
- strengthens thighs, hips, ankles and calves
- loosens wrists
- strengthens legs
- stretches shoulders and upper back
Mental effects
- cultivates confidence
- improves sense of balance
- builds up focus and conentration
5. Extended hand-to-big-toe pose
Extended hand-to-big-toe pose – see https://https://eaglenfalcon.org/yoga-and-knee-arthritis/
Physical effects – see parts involved below in red
- stretches hamstrings
- opens hips, shoulders and arms
- strengthens legs and ankles
- stretches hips and arms
- tones abdomens
Mental effects
- improves sense of balance
- helps with focus and concentration
- develops self awareness
- calms the mind
- revitalizes the nervous system
6. Extended side angle pose
Extended side angle pose – see https://eaglenfalcon.org/yoga-and-fitness-start-today/
Physical effects – see parts involved below in red
- stretches and strengthens legs, knees and ankles
- stretches groin, spine, waist, chest and shoulders
- tones abdominal muscles
Mental effects
- gives a feeling of relaxation
- improves confidence
- boosts the immune system
- Increases stamina
7. Extended triangle pose
Extended triangle pose – see https://eaglenfalcon.org/yoga-and-neck-pain-get-active-to-prevent-this/
Physical effects – see parts involved below in red
- stretches legs, groins, hips, shoulders, chest and spine
- strengthens feet, ankles and legs
- stimulates abdominal organs
Mental effects
- helps relieve stress and anxiety
8. Forward fold
Forward fold – see https://eaglenfalcon.org/yoga-for-immune-system-help-to-fight-corona-virus/
Physical effects – see parts involved below in red
- stretches hips, hamstrings and calves
- srengthens thighs and knees
- strengthens spine and keeps it flexible
- activates abdominals
Mental effects
- reduces stress, anxiety, depression and fatigue
- calms the mind and soothes the nerves
9. Four-limbed staff pose
Four-limbed staff pose – see https://eaglenfalcon.org/yoga-for-mental-health-find-a-practical-solution/
Physical effects – see parts involved below in red
- strengthens arms, shoulders and wrists
- tones abdominal muscles
- develops core stability
Mental effects
- increases stamina
- invigorates the mind
10. Half lord of the fishes
Half lord of the fishes – see https://eaglenfalcon.org/yoga-for-immune-system-help-to-fight-corona-virus/
Physical effects – see parts involved below in red
- stretches shoulders, hips, neck and spine
- energizes the spine
- helps digestive system
Mental effects
- relieves symptoms of fatigue
- enhances confidence
Conclusion
Now we have come to the third part of YOGA POSES EXPLAINED – PHYSICAL AND MENTAL EFFECTS and if you have followed the first two parts you already know how beneficial it can be to tackle specific issues, be it physical or mental, with exactly the right poses. My next post will be the fourth and last part of YOGA POSES EXPLAINED and I hope you will enjoy this as well. Please let me know if you have questions about a special pose, even if I have not described it in my series. I will be more than happy to help. Namaste!
I love how you have explained the positive effects on both the mind and body. People are always saying you need to connect the two when doing Yoga or any exercise, but this is so often not done. It’s great to see the benefits of these exercises, as I had no idea that such simple poses could affect so much! I was wondering about the picture you posted for the dolphin pose. It looks similar to Downward Dog, so I’m wondering what the difference is? Thanks for the information!
Hello Steve
thank you for your comment and I am glad that you enjoy learning about the positive effects of the different yoga poses. As regards Dolphin and Downward Dog, I have put the wrong picture to Dolphine. Please check my post again, the main difference is that with Dolphin your lower arms rest on the floor.
I never would have thought that yoga poses can have this much of advantages and all. All my life I have always think that it is just a spiritual thing. However, with this very well detailed and broken into bits piece, I am more enlightener about the core of yoga and how each poses affects our mental and physical states. Thanks
Thank you Phillip for your kind comment and I hope that you will try some of the poses to see the effect it has on body and mind. Let me know how you get along or if you have any questions.