Poses

ARDHA CHANDRASANA

Half Moon Ardha Chandrāsana ardha = half chandra = moon āsana = posture Category:Standing / Balancing Difficulty:Intermediate Description: From a standing position one leg is straight while the other is extended back parallel to the earth (or a little above parallel) and one hand is on the earth (beyond the little-toe side of the foot, about 12 inches) while the other hand is extended up towards the sky. The shoulder blades are squeezed together and the fingers move outward in opposing directions. The weight of the body is supported mostly by the standing leg while the bottom hand has very little weight on it but is used intelligently to regulate balance. The upper torso is rotated open to the sky. Both hips are externally rotated. Energy is extended actively through the flexed toes to keep the raised leg strong. The inner ankle of the standing foot is lifted strongly upward, as if drawing energy from the earth. The sacrum and scapulae are firmly pressed against the back torso and lengthen the coccyx toward the raised foot. The gaze is either up or down, depending on the condition of the neck. If injured the gaze is down. Benefits: Strengthens the abdomen, ankles, thighs, buttocks and spine. Stretches the groins, hamstrings, calves, shoulders, chest and spine. Improves coordination and sense of balance. Helps relieve stress. Improves digestion.

ARDHA UTTANASANA

Halfway Lift ardha = half uttāna = stretch out āsana = posture Category:Standing / Forward Bend Difficulty:Beginner Description: From a standing position, the upper body is lifted up halfway with the feet rooted into the earth and the toes actively lifted. The spine is straight. The ribcage is lifted and connected to the thighs. The neck is a natural extension of the spine. The fingertips are next to the toes. The gaze is down and slightly forward. Benefits: Calms the brain and helps relieve stress and mild depression. Stimulates the liver and kidneys. Stretches the hamstrings, calves, and hips. Strengthens the thighs and knees. Improves digestion. Helps relieve the symptoms of menopause. Reduces fatigue and anxiety. Relieves headache and insomnia.

SURYA NAMASKAR B

Inhale to a flat back Exhale to a forward fold Inhale Utkatasna chair pose [Start of video] Exhale forward fold Inhale half way lift Exhale high to low plank Inhale upward facing dog Exhale downward facing dog Right foot forward come all the way up to warrior one On the inhale arms reach high, Flow as you exhale high to low plank Inhale upward facing dog Exhale downward facing dog Left foot forward, come all the way up to warrior one on the inhale - arms reach high Flow as you exhale high to low plank Inhale upward facing dog Exhale downward facing dog Take a deep breath in, empty the breath, look forward, step or float to the top of your mat Repeat.

SALABHASANA

Locust śalabha = locust āsana = posture Category:Prone / Backbend Difficulty:Intermediate Description: From a supine position lying on the belly (pad the floor below your pelvis and ribs with a folded blanket if needed) with the arms along the side body, palms facing up, lift the legs away from the floor until resting on the lower ribs, belly, and front pelvis with firm buttocks, energy extended thru strong legs and active toes. The arms are raised parallel to the floor with active fingertips. Imagine there is a weight pressing down on the backs of the upper arms, and push up toward the ceiling against this resistance. Press the scapulae firm into the back. The gaze is forward or slightly upward, being careful not to jut the chin forward and crunch the back of the neck. Keep the base of the skull lifted and the back of the neck long. Benefits: Strengthens muscles of spine, buttocks, and backs of the arms and legs. Stretches the shoulders, chest, belly, and thighs. Improves posture. Stimulates abdominal organs. Helps relieve stress. privacy | terms | © 2016 Rainfrog, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

NATARAJASANA

Lord of the Dance naṭarājā = lord of the dance āsana = posture Alt. Name:Dancer's Category:Standing / Balancing Difficulty:Intermediate Description: Begin from a standing position with the weight of the body on one foot as the opposite heel lifts up towards the buttocks with a bent knee. The hand on the same side of the body as the bent knee reaches back to grasp the outside of the foot or ankle. With the added resistance of the hand gripping the foot, the bent leg and foot is then lifted up away from the earth and the torso towards the back of the room until the thigh is parallel to the earth. Then the arm on the same side of body as the standing leg extends up and forward to the front. The gaze is forward. Avoid compression in the lower back by actively lifting the pubis towards the navel while at the same time, pressing the tailbone towards the floor. Benefits: Stretches the shoulders, the chest, the thighs, the groins and abdomen. Strengthens the legs and the ankles. Improves balance.

TADASANA

Mountain tāḍa = mountain āsana = posture Category:Standing / Neutral Difficulty:Beginner Description: The body is in the standing position, with the feet together and rooted into the earth. The toes are actively lifted. The weight of the body is evenly distributed on the four corners of the feet. The pelvis is tucked. The ribcage is lifted. The neck is a natural extension of the spine and the chin is slightly tucked towards the sternum. The shoulders are relaxed as they rotate back and down. The hands come together at the heart in prayer position. The gaze is forward. Benefits: Improves posture. Strengthens thighs, knees, and ankles. Firms abdomen and buttocks. Relieves sciatica. Reduces flat feet.

BADDHA KONASANA

Bound Angle Butterfly / Cobbler's baddha = bound koṇa = angle āsana = posture Category:Seated / Neutral Difficulty:Beginner Description: In sitting position, bend both knees and drop the knees to each side, opening the hips. Bring the soles of the feet together and bring the heels as close to the groin as possible, keeping the knees close to the ground. The hands may reach down and grasp and maneuver the feet so that the soles are facing upwards and the heels and little toes are connected. The shoulders should be pulled back and no rounding of the spine. Benefits: Opens the hips and groins. Stretches the shoulders, rib cage and back. Stimulates the abdominal organs, lungs and heart.

DHANURASANA

Bow dhanur = bow āsana = posture Category:Prone / Backbend Difficulty:Intermediate Description: From a prone position with the abdomen on the earth, the hands grip the ankles (but not the tops of the feet) with knees no wider than the width of your hips. The heels are lifted away from the buttocks and at the same time the thighs are lifted away from the earth working opposing forces as the heart center, hips and back open. The gaze is forward. Benefits: Stretches the entire front of the body, ankles, thighs and groins, abdomen and chest, and throat, and deep hip flexors (psoas). Strengthens the back muscles. Improves posture. Stimulates the organs of the abdomen and neck.

SETU BANDHA SARVANGASANA

Bridge setu = bridge bandha = lock sarva = all āṅga = limb āsana = posture Category:Supine / Backbend Difficulty:Intermediate Description: From a supine position, on your back, the hips are pressed up with the heels of the feet rooted into the earth close to the sits bones. The toes are actively lifted and the pelvis tucked. The thighs are parallel to the earth and the fingers are interlaced under the body with the ribcage lifted and the heart open. The back of the neck rests on the earth. The gaze is to the sky. Benefits: Stretches the chest, neck, and spine. Stimulates abdominal organs, lungs, and thyroids. Rejuvenates tired legs. Improves digestion. Helps relieve the symptoms of menopause. Relieves menstrual discomfort when done supported. Reduces anxiety, fatigue, backache, headache, and insomnia. Therapeutic for asthma, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and sinusitis.

USTRASANA

Camel uṣṭra = camel āsana = posture Category:Arm and Leg Support / Backbend Difficulty:Intermediate Description: From a kneeling position the knees are hip width apart and the thighs are perpendicular to the earth. The inner thighs are narrowed and rotated slightly inward with the buttocks engaged but not hardened. The tailbone is tucked under but the hips do not puff forward. The shins and tops of the feet are pressed firmly into the earth. The ribcage is open, along with the heart center, but the lower front ribs do not protrude sharply towards the sky. The lower back lifts the ribs away from the pelvis to keep the lower spine as long as possible. The base of the palms are pressed firmly against the soles (or heels) of the feet and the fingers are pointed toward the toes. The arms are extended straight and are turned slightly outward at the shoulder joint so the elbow creases face forward without squeezing the shoulder blades together. The neck is in a relatively neutral position, neither flexed nor extended, or (for the advanced practitioners only) the head drops back. Be careful not to strain your neck and harden your throat. The gaze is either towards the sky or towards the earth, depending upon your flexibility. Benefits: Stretches the entire front of the body, the ankles, thighs and groins, abdomen and chest, and throat. Stretches the deep hip flexors (psoas). Strengthens back muscles. Improves posture. Stimulates the organs of the abdomen and neck.

ANJANEYĀSANA

Category:Standing / Neutral Difficulty:Intermediate Category:Standing / Balancing Difficulty:Intermediate Description: The front foot of one leg is rooted on the earth with the knee directly above and tracking the ankle in a 90 degree angle. The back leg is straight, no bend in the knee, and the weight is distributed backwards onto the toes as the back heel pushes back and down towards the earth. The inner thighs scissor towards each other and the pelvis is tucked under with the ribcage lifted and the chin slightly tucked. The spine is long and extended. The heart is open. The arms are straight with no bend in the elbows or the wrists. The hands can be together or separated and facing each other with the fingers spread wide. Gaze is natural and forward. Benefits: Creates flexible strength. Promotes stability in the front and back of the torso. Tones the lower body. Stretches the chest, lungs, shoulders, arms, neck, belly, groins (psoas) and the muscles of the back. Strengthens and stretches the thighs, calves and ankles.

UTKATASANA

Chair utkaṭa = fierce āsana = posture Category:Standing / Balancing Difficulty:Beginner Description: From a standing position, the feet are together and rooted into the earth with toes actively lifted. The knees are bent and the weight of the body is on the heels of the feet. The pelvis is tucked in and the ribcage is lifted. The neck is a natural extension of the spine. The arms are lifted up toward the sky with the elbows straight and the biceps by the ears. The hands can be together or separated and facing each other with the fingers spread wide. The gaze is forward. Benefits: Strengthens the ankles, thighs, calves, and spine. Stretches shoulders and chest. Stimulates the abdominal organs, diaphragm, and heart. Reduces flat feet. Energizes the entire body.

SAVASANA

Corpse śava = corpse āsana = posture Category:Supine / Neutral Difficulty:Beginner Description: The body rests on the earth in a supine position with the arms resting by the side body. The palms are relaxed and open toward the sky. The shoulder blades are pulled back, down and rolled under comfortably, resting evenly on the earth. The legs are extended down and splayed open. The heels are in and the toes flop out. The eyes are closed. Everything is relaxed. The gaze is inward. Benefits: Calms the brain and helps relieve stress and mild depression. Relaxes the body. Reduces headache, fatigue, and insomnia. Helps to lower blood pressure.

STANDING SIDE STRETCH/Ashta Chandrāsana

Crescent Moon ashta = side chandra = moon āsana = posture Category:Standing / Lateral Bend Difficulty:Intermediate Description: From Mountain (Tāḍāsana) pose, on the inhalation bring the hands up and interlace the fingers together. Exhale, bend to one side, lengthening the opposite of the rib cage and stretch. Benefits: Stretches the rib cage, arms and torso. Tones the oblique muscles.

BAKASANA

Crow baka = crane āsana = posture Alt. Name:Crane Category:Arm Balance and Inversion / Balancing Difficulty:Intermediate Description: From an inverted position, with the hips up and the head down, the arms are bent in a 90-degree angle with the knees resting on the elbows. The palms are firmly rooted into the earth with knuckles pressed firmly into the earth for support. The belly is pulled up and in towards the spine with the ribcage and chin lifted. The weight of the body shifts slightly forward as the toes lift up and off the earth into the full expression of the pose. The gaze is down and slightly forward. Benefits: Strengthens arms and wrists. Stretches the upper back. Strengthens the abdominal muscles. Opens the groin. Tones the abdominal organs.

FOREARM PLANK

Dolphin Plank Category:Arm and Leg Support / Balancing Difficulty:Intermediate Description: From a prone position the weight of the body is distributed equally between the toes of flexed feet and strong forearms pressed firmly into the earth. The shoulders are directly over the wrists, the torso is parallel to the floor. The outer arms are pressed inward and are firm. The bases of the index fingers are pressed into the earth. The shoulder blades are firmly spread away from the spine. The collarbones are away from the sternum. The front thighs press up towards the sky, while the tailbone resists and pulls towards the earth, lengthening towards the heels. The base of the skull lifts away from the back of the neck and the gaze is soft and down. Benefits: Strengthens the arms, wrists, and spine. Tones the abdomen.

ADHO MUKHA SVANASANA

Downward-Facing Dog adho = downward mukha = facing śvāna = dog āsana = posture Category:Arm and Leg Support / Forward Bend Difficulty:Beginner Description: The body is positioned in an inverted "V" with the palms and feet rooted into the earth and sits bones lifted up towards the sky. The arms and legs are straight. The weight of the body is equally distributed between the hands and the feet. The eye of the elbows face forward. The ribcage is lifted and the heart is open. Shoulders are squared to the earth and rotated back, down and inward. The neck is relaxed and the crown of the head is toward the earth. The gaze is down and slightly forward. Benefits: Calms the brain and helps relieve stress and mild depression. Energizes the body. Stretches the shoulders, hamstrings, calves, arches, and hands. Strengthens the arms and legs. Helps relieve the symptoms of menopause. Relieves menstrual discomfort when done with the head supported. Helps prevent osteoporosis. Improves digestion. Relieves headache, insomnia, back pain, and fatigue. Therapeutic for high blood pressure, asthma, flat feet, sciatica, and sinusitis. Warms up the ankles and the toes.

SUCIRANDHRASANA

Eye of the Needle / Dead Pigeon supta = supine kapota = pigeon āsana = posture Category:Supine / Neutral Difficulty:Intermediate Description: Lie on the back in supine position. Bend the knees, heels close to SI bones and cross one ankle over the opposite knee. Thread the hands or reach through between the thighs. Lift the foot off the floor and hold the bent knee behind the thigh or shin to bring it closer to the chest, make sure that the sacrum is rooted to the floor. Benefits: Stretches the hamstrings and quads. If the elbow is used to push the thigh, it opens the hips as well.

CHATURANGA DANDASANA

Four Limbed Staff chatur = four aṅga = limb daṇḍa = staff āsana = posture Category:Arm and Leg Support / Balancing Difficulty:Intermediate Description: From a prone position, the weight of the body is supported on the hands and the toes. The body is approximately 5 inches above and parallel to the earth. The abdomen is pulled up towards the spine. The pelvis is tucked. The palms are flat. The elbows are close to the side body and bent in a 90-degree angle and inline with the wrists. The toes are rooted into the earth as the heels push back. The gaze is down. Benefits: Strengthens the arms and wrists. Tones the abdomens

PASCHIMOTTANASANA

Seated Forward Bend paśchima = back uttāna = stretch out āsana = posture Category:Seated / Forward Bend Difficulty:Beginner Description: From a seated position with the sits bones rooted into the earth the legs extend forward to the degree that the chest and thighs can stay connected. The fingers wrap around the toes. The upper torso folds forward at the crease of the hips with the spine long. The gaze is forward. Benefits: Calms the brain and helps relieve stress and mild depression. Stretches the spine, shoulders and hamstrings. Stimulates the liver, kidneys, ovaries and uterus. Improves digestion. Helps relieve the symptoms of menopause and menstrual discomfort. Soothes headache and anxiety. Reduces fatigue. Therapeutic for high blood pressure, infertility, insomnia and sinusitis. Traditional texts say that Paschimottanasana increases appetite, reduces obesity and cures diseases. privacy | terms | © 2016 Rainfrog, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

DANDASANA

Staff daṇḍa = staff āsana = posture Category:Seated / Neutral Difficulty:Beginner Description: From a seated position both legs are extended to the front. The torso does not lean backward. The weight of the body is positioned towards the front of the sitting bones and the pubis and tailbone are equidistant from the earth. Both thighs are pressed down against the floor and are rotated slightly towards each other. The inner groins are drawn up toward the sacrum. Feet are flexed and the toes are separated. The heels may come up off the earth. The ankles are pressed out through the heels. The shoulders are stacked in line with the hips. The arms are resting by the side body. The front torso is lengthened perpendicular to the earth, extending up through the crown of the head towards the sky while the sits bones are rooted down. Benefits: Strengthens the back muscles. Stretches the shoulders and chest. Improves posture.

UTTANASANA

Standing Forward Bend From a standing position, the body is folded over at the crease of the hip with the spine long. The neck is relaxed and the crown of the head is towards the earth. The feet are rooted into the earth with the toes actively lifted. The spine is straight. The ribcage is lifted. The chest and the thighs are connected. The sacrum lifts up toward the sky in dog tilt. The fingertips are resting on the earth next to the toes. The gaze is down or slightly forward. Calms the brain and helps relieve stress and mild depression. Stimulates the liver and kidneys. Stretches the hamstrings, calves, and hips. Strengthens the thighs and knees. Improves digestion.

SURYA NAMASKAR A

Sun Salutation A The full Sun Salutation A begins and ends with the Half Sun Salutation. Start in Mountain Pose/Tadasana. Feet hip distance apart and rooting down shoulders are set on the back while the spine is long maintaining its natural curve (aka dont jut hips forward to suck in the stomach). Navel draws towards spine and bring the palms together at the heart in prayer position. On the Inhale to sweep the arms out and up so the arms to meet above the head. Sternum is lifted, slight back-bend as the body allows. Exhale to fold forward, reach toward the toes and frame the feet by placing palms on the mat. Gently bend the knees to reach the mat or simply rest hands on legs. Listen to the body and support the back where needed. On the inhale step or jump back into Plank Pose, shoulders over wrists, shoulders resting back, c onnecting core - naval to spine sending energy through the legs to the feet. Full body engagement here... Exhale and lower the body down through Chaturanga. As you lower to the floor, keep elbows tight and at a 90 degree angle with the mat. Inhale and draw the chest forward, lengthening the arms and extend the sternum forward into an Upward Facing Dog. Shoulders over wrists without locking elbows. Heart center is open as the chest opens to the sky. Exhale and lift the hips and move into Downward-Facing Dog. Walk the Dog by gently lifting and lowering the heels up an down to stretch the hamstrings and work out any kinks. On the exhale, walk or step or hop feet forward into a forward fold. Inhale, lift halfway up, flatting back, returning to a tabletop position. Exhale, release and fold down again, placing the hands on the mat or legs. Inhale to reverse swan dive all the way back to Mountain pose and connect back to the base. Deep breath in and Repeat.

HALF (Arda) SURYA NAMASKARA

The Half Sun Salutation kicks off Sun Salutation A. It's an effective way to warm up the body by connecting breath and movement. The series stretches and lengthens your hamstrings. To begin, start in Mountain Pose. Feet hip distance apart and rooting down shoulders are set on the back, while the spine is long maintaining its natural curve (aka dont jut hips forward to suck in the stomach). Navel draws into spine and bring the palms together at heart center in prayer position. Inhale to sweep the arms out and up so the arms to meet above the head. Sternum is lifted, slight back bend—if the body allows. Exhale to forward fold, reach toward the toes and frame the feet with palms on the mat. Gently bend the knees to reach mat or simply rest hands on legs. Listen to the body and support the back where needed. Inhale, lift halfway up, flatting the back to a tabletop position. Exhale, release and fold down again, placing the hands on the mat or legs. Listen to your body. Inhale to reverse swan dive all the way back to Mountain pose and connect back to the base. Repeat.

VRKSASANA

Tree vṛkṣa = tree āsana = posture Category:Standing / Balancing Difficulty:Intermediate Description: From a standing position, one foot is rooted into the earth with the opposite heel rooted into the inner thigh with the toes pointing towards the earth. The pelvis and the chin are tucked in. The arms are lifted above the head with the palms together in prayer position. The gaze is forward. Benefits: Strengthens the legs, ankles, and feet. Improves flexibility in the hips and knees. Improves balance.

UTTHITA TRIKONASANA

Triangle trikoṇa = triangle āsana = posture Category:Standing / Lateral Bend Difficulty:Beginner Description: From a standing position, the legs are straight and separated into a wide stance. The feet are aligned and flat on the earth with the back foot in a 60-degree angle towards the front. The inner thighs are rotated externally away from each other. The pelvis is tucked and the ribcage is lifted. One arm extends up towards the sky as the other reaches down to the earth. Both arms are aligned with the shoulders in a straight line. The fingers reach out as the shoulder blades squeeze together. The gaze is toward the front. Benefits: Stretches and strengthens the thighs, knees, and ankles. Stretches the hips, groin, hamstrings, calves, shoulders, chest, and spine. Stimulates the abdominal organs. Helps relieve stress. Improves digestion. Helps relieve the symptoms of menopause. Relieves backache, especially through second trimester of pregnancy. Therapeutic for anxiety, flat feet, infertility, neck pain, osteoporosis, and sciatica.

PRASARITA PADOTTANASANA

Tripod Headstand Category:Arm and Leg Support / Forward Bend Difficulty:Beginner Description: From a standing position, the body is folded forward from a wide stance. The elbows are bent in a 90-degree angle and the fingers are in line with the toes. The palms are flat and the knuckles are evenly pressed into the earth. The crown of the head is resting on the earth slightly in front of the hands forming an equilateral triangle. The neck is a natural extension of the spine. The chin is slightly tucked in towards the sternum. Benefits: Calms the brain and helps relieve stress and mild depression. Stimulates the pituitary and pineal glands. Strengthens the arms, legs and spine. Strengthens the lungs. Tones the abdominal organs. Improves digestion. Helps relieve the symptoms of menopause. Therapeutic for asthma, infertility, insomnia and sinusitis.

URDHVA MUKHA SVANASANA

Upward-Facing Dog Ūrdhva Mukha Śvānāsana ūrdhva = upward mukha = facing śvāna = dog āsana = posture Category:Arm and Leg Support / Backbend Difficulty:Intermediate Description: The body is in a prone position parallel to the earth. The weight of the body is supported equally by the straight arms and the tops of the feet which press firmly into the earth. The shoulders are rotated back and down. The ribcage is lifted and pulled thru to the front in a slight upper thoracic backbend. The joints are stacked with the wrists, elbows and shoulders in a straight-line. The neck is a natural extension of the spine and the chin is slightly tucked. The abdomen is pulled up towards the spine. The palms are flat and the elbows are close to the side body. The gaze is forward.

VIRABHADRASANA I

Warrior I vīrabhadra = warrior āsana = posture Category:Standing / Balancing Difficulty:Beginner Description: From a standing position, the legs are in a wide stance with the feet aligned and flat on the earth. The back foot is in a 60-degree angle towards the front. The hips are squared. The inner thighs are rotated towards each other. The front knee is bent in a 90-degree angle directly above the ankle. The arms extend up to the sky with the biceps by the ears. The hands can be together or separated and facing each other with the fingers spread wide. The ribcage is lifted and the pelvis tucked. The gaze is forward. Benefits: Stretches the chest, lungs, shoulders, neck, belly and groin (psoas). Strengthens the shoulders, arms and back muscles. Strengthens and stretches the thighs, calves and ankles.

VIRABHADRASANA II

Warrior II vīrabhadra = warrior āsana = posture Category:Standing / Balancing Difficulty:Beginner Description: From a standing position, the legs are separated into a wide stance. The front knee is bent in a 90-degree angle directly above the ankle. The back leg is extended and straight with the outside edge of the back foot gripping the earth in a 60-degree angle towards the front. The inner thighs are externally rotated away from each other. The pelvis is tucked. The ribcage is lifted. The arms are extended out to the sides and are aligned with the shoulders in a straight line with the fingers reaching out as the shoulder blades squeeze together. The gaze is toward the front fingers. Benefits: Strengthens and stretches the legs and ankles. Stretches the groin, chest, lungs, and shoulders. Stimulates abdominal organs. Increases stamina. Relieves backaches, especially through second trimester of pregnancy. Therapeutic for carpal tunnel syndrome, flat feet, infertility, osteoporosis, and sciatica.

PARSVAKONASANA

Warrior II Forward Bend Pārśvakoṇāsana pārśva = side koṇa = angle āsana = posture Category:Standing / Lateral Bend Difficulty:Intermediate Description: From Warrior II (Vīrabhadrāsana II), the lower body stays static while the upper body folds forward at the crease of the hip. One arm is extended toward the sky while the other reaches down to the earth. The fingers reach out as the shoulder blades squeeze together. The gaze is towards the sky. Benefits: Strengthens and stretches the legs, knees and ankles. Stretches the groin, spine, waist, chest, lungs and shoulders. Stimulates abdominal organs. Increases stamina.

URDHVA DHANURASANA

Wheel ūrdhva = upward dhanu = bow āsana = posture Alt. Name:Upward Bow Category:Arm and Leg Support / Backbend Difficulty:Expert Description: Pressed up from a supine position, lying on your back, the palms are rooted into the earth with the fingers pointed towards the heels. The feet are grounded. The hips are pressed up. The thighs are rotated inward. The thoracic spine is arched creating a strong crescent arch along the spinal column. The gaze is forward. Benefits: Strengthens the arms, wrists, legs, buttocks, abs, and spine. Stimulates the thyroid and pituitary. Increases energy and counteracts depression. Therapeutic for asthma, back pain, infertility, and osteoporosis.