In Sanskrit, Bhujanga means ‘Snake’, and Asana is the word for ‘Posture’. Bhujangasana means the cobra pose in the classical text of Yoga. There are several yoga forms that are good for the human race. People living a holistic lifestyle understand the value of every single yoga form and the poses in that. Some of these poses are very common and are suitable for every level of practitioners. Some are beginners, while some are professionals. Bhujangasana is also one of the most practised yoga poses for today that has the power to heal several modern-day health issues.
Beneficial both for mental and physical well-being, this pose also requires correct posture and methodology. Used since ancient times, the Cobra Pose is used to attain harmony within the body and as a tool of self-awareness and mental clarity. This pose is a natural way to shield one’s wholesomeness and lead a healthy life naturally. This asana offers various health benefits to the practitioners. In this blog, we will expose the right method, the benefits, and the precautions that are linked with the Cobra Pose. So, let’s dive into the details of this amazing yoga posture.
What is Bhujangasana?
Starting with its origin, Bhujangasana or the cobra pose, is an asana mentioned in the Hatha Yoga text. In this asana, one has to attain the pose like a snake or cobra. This pose is also a part of the Surya Namaskara sequence due to its mystic benefits to the human body, soul, and mind. Let’s learn how to perform this Bhujangasana pose!
–Firstly, you need to lie on your stomach.
–Now place both hands on either side of your body.
–Now you have to place both feet in a way that your big toes are touching each other.
–Now bring your hands in front as if you are about to do a pushup!
–Make sure your palms are not above the level of your shoulders.
–Now transfer your whole body weight to both palms.
–Now, as you inhale, lift your upper body, that is your head and trunk, upward.
–Make sure that the body below your waist is pressed on the floor for the perfect posture, and your head is raised like a snake’s hood.
–This whole pose reflects the posture of a raised hood cobra, and that is why it i called Bhujangasana
–Stay in the asana for at least 30 seconds; the time varies according to your comfort and level of practice.
–Inhale and exhale consciously during the pose.
–Feel that the inhal is taking in the positivity, and the exhale is eliminating the toxins and the negativity.
–When you release the pose, do it very slowly and gently and then relax.
Read More: 10-Minute Guided Shavasana for a Nervous System Reset
Precautions and Contraindications
There are some precautions and contradictions of the Cobra Pose.
- If you are suffering from any body injury, joint injuries, hip injury, pelvis, ribcage, knees, or other similar injuries, then this pose should be avoided because it puts pressure on the body, especially these small and large joints. Even after recovering from any such injuries, always consult and practice under the right and experienced yoga guru.
- If you are lacking a good connection between the breath and the body, then this practice might not benefit you well. So, students should learn a good mind and body connection and then perform this bhujangasana pose. Without the right knowledge and a lack of consciousness, you can get painful jerks during the practice. So, always learn before you perform.
- If your body is weak or you are suffering from conditions like Asthma. COPD, high blood pressure, back pain, a herniated disc, urinary issues, or any other breathing problems, then always consult a yog guru and practice under the right guidance.
- Very old citizens and pregnant women should avoid this pose, as it puts pressure on the tummy and is not suitable for either.
- If you have undergone any operation, especially a C-section, then do not perform this pose under gien a green flag by the yoga guru.
- The eye to every precaution is a right mentor. Always try to find an authentic yoga school or a certified yoga teacher to perform safe yoga.
- Never rush, learn slowly, start as per your capability and comfort, and do not compete with others. Slow and steady always wins the race!
Read More: The main benefits of Virasana (Hero Pose) are unveiled
Benefits of the Cobra stretch
1- Cobra pose helps in balancing various Chakras in the body, like Swadishtana Chakra, Manipura Chakra, Anahata Chakra, and Visudha Chakra. It unclogs these chakras and ensures a great flow of ‘prana’, the life energy within the body.
2- It ensures good flexibility and strength to the spinal cord.
It firms and tones the butt.
3- It is very helpful for sciatica.
4- It also gives a good stretch to the chest and lung area.
5- It tones and strengthens the lower body organs.
6-It ensures good health of the reproductive system.
7- It improves digestive health.
8- It releases the stress.
9-It improves the blood circulation in the body.
10- Ensures overall well-being.
So, these were the Bhujangasana yoga benefits!
Conclusion
Bhujangasana is a very powerful pose that offers great mental and physical health. It also hormonised the inner you. This asana helps in creating the right balance within the human body. It opens up the soul and instils positivity in the mind. The breathwork involved in this bhujangasana pose helps in various ways. You just need the right method of performing the cobra pose. The authenticity of this pose should be maintained to attain the best benefits of this yoga posture. Always try to get yourself the best yoga guru to get the right training in yoga. Make sure you practice this empty stomach and under the right guidance.
