Quote of the day

Saturday, April 30, 2011

Salabhasana,the grasshopper

The name comes from the Sanskrit words salaba or shalabha meaning "locust",and asana meaning "posture" or "seat".

Salabhasana is a cultural yoga asana that mimics the shape of a locust in its final position. The muslces stretched in this posture are rested in the Bhujangasana or cobra pose, and this posture is especially effective in treating abdominal disorders.  
 














Viparita-salbhasana:


 
It is a form of back bend, or spine stretch, using the strength of the upper and middle back to lift the weight of the legs as high as possible from a starting position face down on the floor. Most people find Salabhasana to be a very "strong" i.e. difficult and challenging posture to practice, and as such it not only improves flexibility and coordination, but also has strength and stamina benefits.

Practice of Salabhasana:

*The person is required to lie prone on his seat with his soles looking upwards and his fingers clenched.

* Then he has to stretch his hands along his body so that his shoulders and the backs of his fists touch the ground.

* The person either rests his chin, mouth and nose on his seat; or his chin alone, the head being thrown a little backward.

* Then with a full stimulation the person has to stiffen his whole body; and try to raise his lower extremities backwards, putting his whole weight on the chest and hands. The wrists especially feel the burden of the lifted legs.

* Throughout the exercise the breath is held in and the knees and are kept stiff and straight. In this practice the sacrum shares the fate of the legs and is a little raised with them.

* If the individual finds that he can no longer hold in his breath, he should slowly lower down his legs, relax his muscles, and gradually start to exhale.

* When respiration becomes normal, the person is ready to proceed with the next pose. 

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