What are animal poses in yoga?
The ancient Yogis used to observe animals for their unique abilities and aptitudes. As a result, lot of the Yoga poses were derived from animals such as lions (lion pose), camels (camel pose), dogs (dog pose), cats (cat pose) and frogs (frog pose), in the hope that they could emulate their flexibility, power and skills. Animals were, particularly, observed to have relatively few aches, pains and illnesses. Hence, the animal poses were designed to stretch the muscles and spine, the back, thighs and upper arm. Yoga poses were also derived from other natural elements such as trees and mountains; which is how we have the Mountain pose and Tree pose.
- Yoga Dog Pose/ Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog) – It was observed that when a dog felt stiff, it stretched in this manner to relax its back.
- Bidalasana (Yoga Cat Pose) – This is a basic yoga pose, done before other poses that improves spinal flexibility, relieves shoulder tension and exercises the neck muscles.
- Shalabhasana (Yoga Locust Pose) – This is excellent for exercising the lower back muscles and stimulating the excretory system.
- Kurmasana (Yoga Turtle Pose) – This pose is marvelous for reducing fat from the hips and belly.
- Rajakapotasana (Yoga Pigeon Pose) – It stretches the groins, thighs and back, throws open the chest and shoulders and increases flexibility.
- Ushtrasana (Yoga Camel Pose) – This pose stretches the front of the body especially the abdomen, chest, and quadriceps and improves spinal flexibility.
- Matsyasana (Yoga Fish Pose) – It expands the chest, stimulates the Thyroid and Parathyroid glands and helps reduce nasal congestion and sinus problems.
- Bhujangasana (Yoga Cobra Pose) – This Yoga pose strengthens the shoulders, spine and abdominal muscles, firms up the hips and invigorates the heart and lungs.
- Makarasana (Yoga Crocodile Pose) – Crocodile Pose is an excellent relaxation pose and is, usually, done either before or after Cobra Pose. It regulates blood pressure, improves sleep and helps reduce anxiety.
- Sashankasana (Yoga Rabbit Pose) – Rabbit pose is considered the best spinal tension tamer. It also helps carry more blood to the brain and massage the thyroid.
- Garudasana (Yoga Eagle Pose) – This pose is wonderful for improving your sense of balance, stretching your shoulders, upper back and outer thighs.
- Simhasana (Yoga Lion Pose) – Lion Pose is an excellent exercise for the neck and facial muscles. It also helps heal sore throats.
Some other Yoga poses named after animals include:
- Giraffe Pose
- Zebra Pose
- Elephant Pose
- Rhino Pose
- Tiger Pose
- Bear Pose
- Chimpanzee Pose
- Chameleon Pose
- Spider Pose
