“Why is Padmasana traditionally done only by
first placing the right leg and then bringing the left leg on
top? When asked this question, K. Pattabhi Jois
quoted the Yoga Shastra as saying,: "Right side first and left
leg on top purifies the liver and spleen. Left
leg first is of no use at all." He also explained that the lotus done
in this way stimulates insulin production.
Contemporary teachers have suggested performing
Padmasana on both sides to balance the body. Improving
the symmetry of the body is achieved through
the standing postures. However, the postures that strongly
influence the abdominal and thoracic cavities,
such as Padmasana, Kurmasana, Dvi Pada Shirshasana, and
Pashasana, do not have the function of making
the body symmetrical, but of accommodating the asymmetry
of the abdominal and thoracic organs. To
accommodate the fact that the liver is on the right side of the
abdominal cavity and the spleen is on the left,
the right leg is first placed into position with the left leg on
top. As leg-behind-the-head postures develop
the chest, to place the left leg first in Kurmasana (turtle)
accommodates the fact that the heart is
predominantly in the left side of the thoracic cavity.
Putting the left leg 1st in leg behind the head
postures will correct any imbalances in the hips acquired from
right leg 1st in Lotus. As far as standing
postures, it is a good idea to initiate from both sides. Generally the
first side will be held longer in class.
Sometimes dramatically longer. This will create imbalance throughout
the entire body.”
