Proper Full Lotus Position?

I have been attempting to practice pranayama, but it requires that you get into a full lotus position... and everytime I do it, my knees feel really strained. What is the proper method on how to get into the full lotus position?

Proper Full Lotus Position?
try the half lotus position, it is much more comfortable and easier on the hips and knees when sitting for a long time





if you insist on doing the full lotus position here are some tips





first, sit upright, and place your foot on top of your thigh with your other foot in front of your lower leg


gently press down on your knee


make sure you work both sides by alternating which leg goes on top of the opposite thigh


with one leg up this stretch is called the half lotus.


spend as long as you need to be comfortable in half lotus, this may be several months, that is fine, when stretching your ligaments and muscles, you want to avoid injuries


it is always better to go slow to avoid injury


keep working your leg down to the floor


eventually, you will be able to pull your lower leg on top of the inner thigh of your upper leg


remember to keep your legs relaxed if your legs are tense there will be pressure between the bones and tissues of the lower leg, this is likely what is happening to you, you may want to work on making sure you can comfortably perform the half lotus and gradually work your way to the full lotus
Reply:That is something that you work up over time. It took a long time to be able to sit with a straight back for more than 15 minutes.. lotus position is the same... work up to it!





Cheers!