Shalabhasana (Locust Pose)
As with other yoga asanas, Shalabhasana means – ‘Shalabha’ means ‘grasshopper/ locust’. ‘Asana’ means ‘pose’. It traces its etymology to Vedic texts. The Locust pose is a supine and back-bending asana. In the final pose, the practitioner looks like a locust or a grasshopper. It is in fact, one of the most popular poses, which everybody can do. Moreover, it is quite effective as a back-bending pose. If you are new to yoga, and not very flexible, in that case, you can start with the Shalabhasana.
How To Do It?
⦁ You have to lie down on the yoga mat, on your belly. Keep both the arms beside your body. The palms should be facing downward.
⦁ As you inhale, you have to lift the upper part of the body, from the chest and the legs, as well.
⦁ As you lift the legs, ensure that they are straight and the hands are also straight and lifted.
⦁ You have to support the entire weight of the body on the abdomen, pelvis, and lower ribs.
⦁ You have to hold the position for some time.
⦁ You can also try the asana, with one leg at a time.
⦁ Slowly, return back to normal. Repeat the same for both the legs at least 4 to 5 times.
Benefits
⦁ If you practice this yoga asana on a regular basis, you will be able to strengthen the body.
⦁ It is a great pose, that can stretch the shoulders, chest, belly, abdomen, and thighs.
⦁ The practice of this asana also boosts the functioning of the nervous system. It stimulates the parasympathetic part as well.
⦁ Your spine also gets an adequate stretch, and it also affects the sacral and lumbar region.
⦁ By practicing this asana, you will be giving the bladder and prostate a good stretch.
⦁ It also helps in burning fat and aids in weight loss.
⦁ Practicing this asana, can also help in rectifying neck pain.
⦁ Your menstruation-related issues will also be solved.
Contraindications
⦁ You must avoid the pose during pregnancy and menstruation.
⦁ If you have Cardiac issues, you should avoid the pose.
⦁ If you suffer from high blood pressure, you must also avoid this pose.
⦁ People suffering from slipped disc, must avoid this pose.
⦁ If you have issues with your appendix, you must avoid this pose.
⦁ If you recently had any back or leg injury, then also you must avoid this pose.
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