How to perform Apana Asana
For practicing Apana Asana, you need to be able to perform Uddiyana Bandha.
Sit in Padmasana or Vajrasana and breathe deeply. Exhale completely, which is called Rechaka in Yoga. After Rechaka, perform Uddiyana Bandha.
After this, grab the sides of your belly from left and right and under your rib cage.
Hold this pose, until you feel the need to inhale, release your grip and inhale.
Benefits of Apana Asana
This pose is good for reducing excess Vata and Kapha, air and mucus in the body. It is also good for digestion, as well as stomach problems.
With its work directly on the solar plexus, Apana Asana stimulates the third chakra, the Manipoor Chakra, and thus brings you energy and self-esteem. It creates fire in you in more than one way.
While this fire energetically lets you jump and run into action, it physically burns extra calories and helps you in efforts of losing weight.
Tips and Help
Your stomach should be empty when performing this pose. Make sure that your lungs are empty of air in the beginning and sit comfortably.