Chakki = Grinder, Chalana = to drive, Asana = Posture or Pose
Chuh-key-Chuh-LAANA-AAHS-uh-nuh
This yoga posture mimics the movements of a hand-moved wheat grinder, common in the villages of India. It turns out to be a fun and excellent workout for the body!
How to do Mill Churning Pose (Chakki Chalanasana)
Sit with your legs splayed apart. Clasp your hands and outstretch your arms at shoulder height in front of you.
Take a deep breath in and start moving the upper part of your body to the front and right, forming an imaginary circle with your body.
Inhale as you go forward and to the right, and exhale as you go backward and to the left.
Tip from the Sri Sri Yoga teachers: Stretch forward from the lower back and keep your legs stationary. A slight movement in the legs is natural as the torso rotates. The arms move along with the back.
Keep breathing deeply and easily while rotating. Do you feel the stretch in the arms, abs, groin and legs?
Make 5-10 rounds in one direction and then repeat in the opposite direction. Your wheat flour is ready to be cooked!
Benefits of the Mill Churning Pose (Chakki Chalanasana)
- A good preventive for sciatica
- Tones the back, abs and arm muscles
- Opens up the chest and groin
- Tones the uterine muscles in females, so it is very useful in preventing painful cycles if practiced regularly
- Consistent practice helps reduce abdominal fat
- Also very useful in reducing post-delivery fat (however, please consult your doctor before practicing this yoga posture)
Contraindications of the Mill Churning Pose (Chakki Chalanasana)
Do not practice this asana if you are pregnant, have low blood pressure, extreme lower back pain due to slip disc, headaches or migraine (during the attack), or had a recent abdominal surgery, such as for active hernia.
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Yoga practice helps develop the body and mind bringing a lot of health benefits yet is not a substitute for medicine. It is important to learn and practice yoga postures under the supervision of a trained Sri Sri Yoga teacher. In case of any medical condition, practice yoga postures after consulting a doctor and an Sri Sri Yoga teacher. Find an Sri Sri Yoga course at an Art of Living Center near you. Do you need information on courses or share feedback? Write to us at info@srisriyoga.in.
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