0In yoga, the concept of complementary poses and counterposes (also called “pratikriyasana” in Sanskrit) is an important aspect of safe and effective practice. This principle ensures balance in the body and mind after performing an asana (pose) that strongly engages or stretches particular muscles or joints.
- Incorporating complementary and counterposes ensures a well-rounded, therapeutic, and safe yoga practice. Yoga is not just about achieving a pose but also about maintaining harmony in body, breath, and mind.
- Prevents Injury: Releasing muscles and joints that were strongly contracted or stretched helps avoid strain.
- Restores Muscular Balance: Ensures both sides of the body or opposing muscle groups are equally attended to.
- Calms the Nervous System: Especially after intense backbends or inversions, counterposes calm the body and mind.
- Improves Circulation: Helps blood flow return to normal after compression or inversion.
- Always follow backbends with forward bends or gentle twists.
- After inversions, practice neutral poses like Savasana or Matsyasana to counter neck compression.
- After intense standing poses, use supine poses to relax and restore.
- Twists should be practiced on both sides equally for balance.
These poses support or deepen the benefits of the main pose. They are often performed before or after the main pose to prepare the body or enhance its effects.
These are balancing movements performed after a pose to neutralize any strain, restore equilibrium, and help the practitioner transition safely.
