Meaning

‘Pawan’ means ‘Wind’ or ‘Gas’
‘Mukt‘ means ‘Release‘ or ‘Removal’

One part of Pran is known as Apan which has a downward movement. By practicing this asana the wind i.e. the extra gas in the abdomen passes out easily. Hence this asana is called Pawanmuktasana.

In this asana the colon is pressed so effectively that the entire foul gas is expelled by means of the compression of the abdomen. In case the foul gas is not expelled, it will cause flatulence (distention of the stomach or bowel with gas). If the gas moves upward, it will harm the heart & if it moves still upward, it is bound to cause headache.

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