salbhasana(Locust Pose)

How To Do Salbhasana

• First step, you need to lie down on the floor on your belly and place your chin on the floor.
• Place your toes on the floor, touch the knees to the ground.
• Place your hands below the hips on the ground below your hips in a way that your palms rest on the ground.
• While inhaling lift up your head, upper body, thighs and legs off the floor.
• Raise your leg as high as possible, hold your breath and remain in this position resting your body on your belly.
• You could also use blankets folded below your thighs if you are not able to maintain balance. This will give you support.
• Exhale and return to the starting position.
• Repeat this asana 10 times.

Benefits of Salbhasana

• The parasympathetic nerves are particularly prominent in the regions of the neck and pelvis.
• It stimulates the whole autonomic nervous system, especially the parasympathetic outflow.
• It strengthens the lower back and pelvic organs, and tones the sciatic nerves, providing relief for those with conditions such as backache, mild sciatica and slipped disc as long as the condition is not serious.
• It tones and balances the functioning of the liver and other abdominal organs, alleviates diseases of the stomach and bowels, and stimulates the appetite.

Precautions

Practice with caution if there is slipped disc or any other severe spinal problems. Any recent abdominal surgery, hernia or prolapse. Pregnancy or menstruation.