This Sanskrit word Uddiyan means flying up as in this exercise prana flies up through the Sushumna – the channel in the spinal column, the passage through which Kundalini Shakti flows.
How to do: Stand with legs at a distance from each other. Bend forward a little and exhale air from the mouth. Draw the navel towards the back. The abdomen is drawn into the thoracic cavity.
Gains: Muscles of stomach, abdomen, and hips get stronger by this exercise, there by removing stomach troubles like gastro intestine. Excess fat also goes from the body. The exercise helps in preserving sex-energy for its sublimation into spiritual energy. Control of Samana Vayu gives a lustre to the body.
This exercise can be practised while sitting.
The Abdominal Lift(Uddiyana Bandha)
This is considered one of the very essential yoga exercise and is practiced not only for its physical values but also for the way it influences our psychic development.
Health benefits of uddayiana bandha (abdominal uplift)
This asana massages the heart, making it a stronger, more effective pump.Your circulation will improve, and you will have less chance of having a heart attack.
It relieves constipation, gas, indigestion and liver troubles.
It tones up the nerves in the solar plexus region.
It reduces abdominal fat and strengthens the abdominal muscles.
It helps the correct functioning of the adrenal glands and sex glands.
It develops spiritual force.