21 June

Bhujangasana

Bhujangasana

Bhujangasana is a posture during which the body resembles a cobra. This asana is therefore popularly known as Cobra Pose as well. One of the many steps of the Surya Namaskar, the Bhujangasana has earned acclaim within the Yoga community for providing relief to several people who have experienced chronic back problems.

How to Go About It
  • The first step requires you to lie on the floor on your stomach, with the toes kept flat and the forehead made to rest on whatever surface you may be on.
  • The legs should be kept close to each other, with the feet coming together, but very lightly.
  • With hands under the shoulder, elbows kept parallel and near the torso, take a deep breath, and lift your upper body slowly, but only till before the naval.
  • With support from your hands, allow your torso to be pulled back. Be mindful of not overdoing it, and try to use both hands equally in terms of force.
The Benefits
  • Abdomen toning, a requisite for people with athletic and general fitness pursuits.
  • Back and shoulder strengthening.
  • The back improves majorly from a flexibility perspective.
  • Blood circulation is vastly improved as well.
  • It is an anxiety reliever, and is recommended to people suffering from daily bouts of stress.
  • Many asthma sufferers have reported improvements after practicing this asana.
Safety Measures
  • People who have undergone recent surgeries of the abdomen and back region should steer clear of this asana.
  • Carpel Tunnel Syndrome sufferers are also at risk of worsening their problems if they practice the Bhujangasana.