Fly away "Butterfly"

We all love butterflies. Be it their shiny attractive, and bright wings, or the feelings that erupt in our stomachs when we think of that certain someone. It is a wonderful creature, and it's no wonder that humans associate positive emotions and happiness with it. Butterfly, or the 'Baddha Konasana' is one of the most popular yoga poses, that is traditionally used by most to open up their hip joints by improving flexibility and reducing tension. Again, I'll be outlining its benefits to you, that has been backed up by scientific evidence, in a simple and easy-to-understand language.

Improves uterine health

Daily practice of the butterfly greatly improves uterine health by increasing the blood flow towards the pelvic region of the body and strengthening the abdominal muscles. The increased blood flow helps in  

replenishing the uterine tissues, which reduces discomfort and cramps during periods. Strong abdominal muscles give better support to the pelvic region, which helps in enhancing their overall function and health. Sitting in the Baddha Konasana helps in detoxification of the pelvic region, which promotes better reproductive health. The butterfly pose helps in opening and stretching the pelvic area which helps in reducing abnormalities such as fibroids. It also notably boosts fertility by better hormonal control that helps in reducing irregular menstruation.

Better flexibility

The butterfly pose opens up the inner thigh, hip joint and groin area, which improves the flexibility of these usually stiff areas. This helps release tension from the muscles, which in turn, makes daily activities and performing other yoga poses easier. The flexibility is gradually improved over time when the tendons, and ligaments become more accustomed to the pose.

Promotes relaxation

Yoga is known to have a calming effect on the body. As per a systematic review by the National Institutes of Health, many yoga poses, including the butterfly helps in relieving stress in people. The daily practice of Baddha Konasana also aids in easing discomfort as its practice opens up the hip joints and surrounding areas which has a relaxing effect on the body that can help relieve stress.

Relives back pain

The Butterfly Pose, through constant practice, helps relieve tension in the hips which is frequently linked with lower back stiffness. The Butterfly Pose also helps one reduce piriformis syndrome and sciatica which causes extreme discomfort in the lower back, buttocks, hips, hamstrings, and feet.

Therefore, to show my ardent love for butterflies, I will be ending this post with a beautiful quote by Ruskin Bond;

"When all the wars are done, a butterfly will still be beautiful"

-Ruskin Bond

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

“Effects of Yoga on Stress Among Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review.” PubMed, 1 July 2020, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32088671.

---. “Development and Feasibility of a Group-Based Therapeutic Yoga Program for Women with Chronic Pelvic Pain.” Pain Medicine, vol. 18, no. 10, Apr. 2017, pp. 1864–72. https://doi.org/10.1093/pm/pnw306.

---. “Butterfly Pose: 6 Benefits of This Classic Hip Opener.” Healthline, 9 Sept. 2021, www.healthline.com/health/fitness/butterfly-pose-benefits.

Healing Yoga Sequence: Restorative Yoga Poses For Piriformis Syndrome | Tummee.com. www.tummee.com/yoga-sequences/yoga-for-piriformis-syndrome.