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.
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.
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.