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 Chakki Chalanasana (Mill Churning Pose)
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.
Keep breathing deeply and easily while rotating. Do you feel the stretch in the arms, abs, groin and legs?
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.
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 Chakki Chalanasana (Mill Churning Pose)
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 Chakki Chalanasana (Mill Churning Pose)
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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