Core, Hara, Dantien, 3rd chakra -- these all refer to than center point in your body, your core source, if you will. Many believe this is where one's power lies. There are postures to strengthen it, exercises to bring awareness to it, and meditations to engage and bring one's focus to it.
These days, I've been doing a lot of core strengthening, so my favorite postures tend to be:
--Plank (I alternate between palms on the floor and elbows on the floor, depending up on how my wrists are feeling)
--Boat Pose
--Goddess Pose (with arm movements)
On days I want a quick core warming practice, I'll start with Tadasana and some Sun Salutations with 30-60 second Plank holds. Then I'll do a few Crow poses before rolling back into Boat Pose. After a few dynamic bridge poses (along with arm raises), I'll come up into Goddess Pose (which I'll alternate between static holds and Goddess Pose with arm movements). Then I'll come to a seated position and either do Breath of Fire for a few minutes or I'll do some some Kumbhaka Pranayama with exhale retention.
If you'd rather focus on straight pranayama for your core, try Hara Breathing.
I've always enjoyed core work, so practices like this are fun for me. Imagine my surprise when I discovered Oramaki, which is what makers of this Hara wrap call "a hug with history." This nifty body wrap (made of seriously soft, natural micro modal) is said to:
- Warm you up
- Reduce back pain
- Provide comfort during your mentrual cycle
- Modify menopause symptoms
- Enhance your immune system functions
- Provide support to your core organs
Quite a list, eh? And calling all pregnant yogis -- the Oramaki provides excellent support for you whether you're practicing yoga or going about your daily routine (and, later, it can serve as a breast feeding cover up). Frankly, I was a bit intrigued by the following selling point: "world's softest hug" Maybe it's just that I'm Italian and we like to hug, but I was sold when I read that. Yep, I didn't hesitate to plunk down $47.95.
I've been wearing my Oramaki for about a month now, and I have to say that it was worth the investment. I wear it when I'm practicing yoga and when I'm not...come to think of it, I like to wear it a lot. It does keep my core warm and it feels darned good (hmmmmm...perhaps it's the swaddling effect???), and while my menstrual cramps aren't usually awful, I did notice an improvement last month. Yes, I have a happy Hara these days.
If you'd like your own little soft core hug (HA!), I recommend checking out Oramaki. I just bought a light weight one so I can wear it in the warmer weather.
Here's to a strong and happy core!
Namaste!