International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development

The term Yoga is derived from the Sanskrit root yuj meaning to bind, join, attach and yoke, to direct and concentrate ones attention on, to use and apply. It also means union or communion. It is the true union of our will with the will of God. Yoga is performed through some specific postures called Asana. Among the eight limbs of Yoga, the yogic technique properly begins at the third limb that is the Asana. Asana means a state in which one can remain physically and mentally steady, calm, quiet and comfortable. Patanjali defines Asana as 'Sthirasukhatvam"" in Yogasutra which can be translated as STableand pleasurable state of body is called Asana. ""Dhanurasana"" was described as one of the 32 most important Asana in Gheranda Samhita. The posture is called ""Dhanurasana"" because in this pose the body resembles a bow with its attached string. The trunk and the thighs represent the bow proper and the hands and legs take the place of a string. In Sanskrit the word Dhanush means a bow. In this article anatomical structures involved in the ""Dhanurasana"" and how this involvement is beneficial in maintaining the health or in management of any disease is explained.