Benefits of Lotus Pose & Its Variations

Lotus pose (Padmasana) is a pose that has been widely used for meditation throughout history. This cross-legged seated position is an asana that some yoga practitioners find totally attainable and others, despite flexibility elsewhere, find it nearly impossible. If you’ve always wanted to achieve lotus pose, keep reading to learn what it requires and whether it can actually be achieved by everybody.

What are the benefits of practicing lotus pose?

Just by looking at it, you can probably tell that this posture opens up the hips. Additionally, it’s said to settle the nerves, improve focus and concentration, and foster the right conditions for deep meditation.

Lotus pose and it’s variations, including half lotus, provides a great stretch through the ankles and the muscles surrounding the pelvis. Regularly sitting in lotus can also help to lengthen the piriformis muscle which stabilizes the hip joint. This can be particularly valuable in providing relief for those that suffer from sciatic nerve pain.

Can everyone practice lotus pose?

Have you ever met someone who claims lotus is not only easy but comfortable!? How about someone who appears to be flexible in many ways, but can’t even come close to full lotus? Does anatomy play a part? Can everyone actually achieve full lotus?