How To Do Shalabhasana

In Sanskrit, Shalabha means locust. This posture is called the locust pose because when you perform it, your body tends to look like a locust that raises its tail and lowers its head to eat.

Locust Posture: Let’s see how one should perform this particular asana.

• To get started you will have to lie down on your yoga mat flat on your abdomen, with your face and chest facing the floor.

• You hips should be close to, or placed on the floor. The legs can be straight and placed near each other.

• Your arms should be stretched back and placed on the sides. The palms should be facing upwards. Be relaxed while attempting the position.

• Then lift your head slightly and keep your chin on the floor.

• Clench your hands to form fists and place your fists near the thighs.

• Now make your knees rigid, and your legs and arms should be stiff.

• Inhale deeply and then, hold your breath.

• Put slight pressure on your balled fists, while lifting your legs backwards. Your legs should be together and raise your legs as high as you can, without bending your knees or without raising your head.

• Maintain this position for sometime.

• Then exhale, and lower your legs without bending them while putting slight pressure on the fists.

• Now relax your body.

Benefits Of Locust Pose:

• This posture is good for the wrists, diaphragm, lower abdomen, buttocks, hips, thighs, and legs.

• It also strengthens the lower back.

• The deep inhalation as well as the holding of breath while performing this asana helps to expand the lungs and make them stronger. It also broadens the chest.

• This yoga posture improves the blood circulation.

• It massages the heart and also improves cardiac health.

• It is good for the reproductive organs, as well as for the adrenal glands.

• The sacral and lower lumbar regions of the spine become supple and the nerves are toned.

• It is believed that this yoga posture can cure any defect like curvature of spine.

• Shalabhasana can burn the fat in the buttocks, abdomen, waist, hips and thighs.

• People with a beer belly can become more supple and can burn up the extra fat.

• This posture is good for those with bronchitis.

• It is also good for those who suffer from rheumatism in the knees and hips.

• Shalabhasana is good for the ovaries and the uterus, and can cure problems related to the female reproductive system.

• This asana can relieve edema on the feet and ankles.