Akarna Dhanurasana (Archer pose) - How to Practice, Its Benefits and Precautions, Contraindications.
The word Akarna is a Sanskrit word; in which ‘Karna’ means ‘ears’, ‘Dhanura’ stands for ‘bow’ and the ‘Asana’ represents ‘to seat, posture or pose’. It is an intermediate pose, which finds mention in the Classical Hatha Yoga texts. The pose enhances the complete flexibility of the body. You have to start with the pose from Dandasana. It is also quite popular as the Archer’s pose. In this pose, the practitioner draws one foot towards the ear, and the other leg is stretched forward.
How To Do It?
⦁ You can start by sitting with your legs stretched in front of you.
⦁ Ensure to keep your head, back and shoulders straight.
⦁ Breathe deeply and then put your palms on your thighs.
⦁ Now, breathe out and gently slide your right hand towards your right foot. With your right hand grab your big toe of right foot, and pull it towards the face. Then, with your left hand try to reach the big toe of your left foot and grab it and hold it there.
⦁ Breathe comfortably and pull back your right foot from your face to the right ear.
⦁ Remain in this pose for a minute.
⦁ After that, breathe out slowly and release your hands from the feet and get back to initial position.
⦁ Repeat in the same manner, on the other side.
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Benefits of Akarna Dhanurasana (Archer Pose)
⦁ The regular practice of this asana, can improve and enhance the strength of the arms and legs.
⦁ The shoulders and the elbows also get a thorough exercise,
⦁ If you practice the asana regularly, you will be able to tone your abdomen. The internal organs also get stimulated, so you will be able to digest in a better manner.
⦁ If you practice this asana on a regular basis, your hips and spine flexibility will improve.
⦁ The asana also helps to improve the blood circulation.
⦁ Moreover, it also enhances the efficiency of the heart.
⦁ Your kidney and liver function also improves a lot.
⦁ If you practice the asana on a regular basis, then you can improve your concentration as well.
⦁ It also helps in stimulating the sacral chakra.
Contraindications
⦁ Women should not do this asana during menstruation or pregnancy.
⦁ If you have any injury in the hamstrings or shoulders, you must not do this asana.
⦁ If you suffer from Hernia, you must not do this asana.
⦁ If you recently had any surgery pertaining to the shoulders, spine, arms, or the hips, you must not do this asana.
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