People are not born perfectly symmetric. People are born with imbalances and lopsidedness.  However, being unbalanced can cause strains in the body.  Sometimes imbalances can also lead to injury and discomfort.  Yoga can help with these issues.

Yoga helps create symmetry within the body.  Physically, yoga increases muscle strength, tones muscles, increases flexibility, and creates better balance.  In addition, yoga involves focus, concentration and meditation, which also help one achieve and maintain a mental and emotional balance.

When not in yoga class, being balanced helps align one’s posture and can help increase the benefits of other physical activity, such as surfing and snow boarding.

There are several yoga poses that can help one achieve optimal balance.

Half Moon

Helpful in elongating the spine and toning the core, Half Moon pose also helps to increase balance.

Beginning in Down Dog, step the right foot forward between the hands and lift up into Warrior I.  From Warrior I, open the hips, arms and chest into Warrior II.  Place the left hand on top of the left hip and stretch the right arm forward, reaching away from the body. Shift the body weight onto the right foot and lift the left foot up. Plant the right palm flat on the ground underneath the shoulder. Look down at the ground and bring the left arm straight up. When feeling balanced, look up toward the left hand. Hold the position for five deep breaths, release, and then repeat this pose on the left side.

Butterfly (the balancing version)

Butterfly Pose strengthens the muscles in one’s feet and assists with improving balance.

Begin in a low squat with the feet together. Turn the knees out to the sides, while keeping the balls and heels of the feet together. Rest the hands on the knees.  Once balance is obtained, press the palms together in front of the heart. Hold here for five deep breaths, draw the knees together, and stand up.

Dancer Pose

Balancing on one foot, while simultaneously holding the other foot requires a great deal of balance and flexibility.  Dancer Pose helps one gain flexible hips and hamstrings.

Stand with feet together. Shift weight onto the left foot, while lifting the right leg off the floor.  Bend the knee behind and hold either the ankle, inner arch, or the big toe with the right hand. Lean forward, lifting the right leg as high as possible, extending the left arm in front to help maintain balance. Stay like this for five breaths, release hold of the foot, and repeat this pose while balancing on the right leg.

Double Big Toe Pose

Double Big Toe Pose is a great core strengthener, while challenging one’s sense of balance. This pose will also help one gain flexibility in the hamstrings.

Sit on a yoga mat, bend both knees, and hold onto the left big toe with the first two fingers and thumb of the left hand.  Do the same with the right side. Concentrate on staying balanced on the bum, and when ready, begin to straighten the legs. Once feeling stable, lift the gaze. After five breaths, release both feet to the mat.

Beginner’s Sage Pose

This pose strengthens the core and upper body.  Sage Pose also increases spinal flexibility.

Begin in Down Dog and step both feet together. Place the right hand about eight inches to the left so it’s in the center of the top of the mat. Roll open to the left, lifting the left arm in the air and stacking the feet while flexed- coming to rest on the outside edge of the right foot. Raise the left arm straight up for Beginner’s Sage, or extend it over the ear, lifting the hips into the air and arching slightly. Hold here for five breaths and repeat this pose on the left side.

Crow Pose

Crow Pose, a favored arm balance pose takes incredible balance and strength.  The pose requires one to place all body weight onto the palms of the hands.

Begin in a squat, placing the hands shoulder width distance apart on the mat. Spread the fingers as wide as possible, creating a strong, stable base. Straighten the legs slightly, placing the knees as high up onto the triceps as possible. Slowly shift weight into the palms and lift the feet off the ground- one at a time.  Remain in the pose for five breaths gazing at the floor.

Sources:

http://www.fitsugar.com/Yoga-Poses-Improve-Balance

http://yoga.iloveindia.com/yoga-benefits/balance.html

http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/fitness/exercises/improving-balance-with-yoga.html