Bhujangasana Yoga Cobra Pose

 

Yoga Prone pose - for neck pain - back pain

Bhujangasana yoga cobra pose is named so because it resembles a cobra with a raised hood. Like many other poses, this pose is taken from the animal kingdom.

The Sanskrit word bhujanga means cobra, asana means a pose, posture or position.

Bhujangasana is a back bending pose. In normal life, we may bend forward for many reasons. This backward bending is a good pose for a healthy back.

How to do bhujangasana - cobra pose?

Bhujangasana - Cobra pose

1. Lie down facing downwards, on your stomach.
2. Place your palms near your chest, fingers pointing forward.
3. Place your forehead on the floor. If you find placing forehead on the floor difficult, place your chin on the floor.
4. While breathing in, raise your upper body (neck, chest, and abdomen) with the support of your arms.
5. Let the neck go as backward as possible. Straighten the arms. Stretch slowly. Look upward to the ceiling.
6. Once you reach the maximum stretch that you can, breathe normally and stay in that position for a minute.
7. In the final position, your arms should be straight, chest is forward, shoulders are back and neck and the spine is stretched. Your heels should be together.

 

To get out of bhujangasana

1. While exhaling, lower the upper body, that is the abdomen, chest.
2. Place the forehead on the floor.
3. Bring back the arms to the side of your body.

 

Caution while doing bhujangasana

1. The stretch should make you feel good not strained or painful.
2. Do not hunch up the shoulders.
3. Let the arms be straight.
4. If you have a back injury, headache, pregnancy, do not do the asana.
5. If you have wrist problem, (carpal tunnel syndrome) , be careful.
6. The backbend should not be painful.
7. If you have a neck problem, do not look upwards, look straight.

 

What are the benefits of bhujangasana - cobra pose?

• Cobra pose strengthens the spine.
• Reduces back ache and stiffness in the neck.
• Firms the buttocks.
• Relieves stress.
• Stimulates the digestive organs and improves digestion.
• Relieves flatulence and constipation.
• Stretches chest, lungs, shoulders and abdomen. Allows deeper breathing.
• Gives relief from menstrual problems.
• Improves liver and spleen functions.