Most people across the globe have become aware of the benefits that have been associated with the ancient practice of yoga. In the ancient times, Yoga was actually referred to, as the science of healthy living and overall wellbeing. Some of the most common benefits of Yoga are weight loss, reduction of stress, higher immunity, improved concentration and an increase in strength. In today’s world, since adults as well as children are prone to health problems caused by obesity, stress, low immunity and so on. Therefore, health experts recommend the practice of yoga poses for kids as well as adults. Yoga consists of various yoga exercises, yoga poses and breathing techniques.
There are several yoga studios that offer yoga classes for adults, as well as children. In fact, there are many schools and children’s classes that have special classes in yoga for children. Since, most kids are very flexible, they usually enjoy practicing the different yoga asanas and poses. Studies indicate that younger children show a keen interest in practicing animal yoga poses. This could be because children can easily connect with animal poses in yoga. Moreover, most of the animal yoga poses have interesting names in English, such as the elephant poses, the snake yoga poses, the locust yoga poses, the camel yoga poses, the crocodile yoga poses and the lion yoga poses. Children who have their own pets like dogs, cats, turtles and rabbits may prefer practicing pet yoga poses the most like the rabbit pose, dog yoga poses, cat yoga poses, tortoise yoga poses and the turtle yoga pose. Yoga animal poses also include bird poses, such as the eagle pose and pigeon pose.
Benefits of yoga animal poses
In the ancient times, Yogis appreciated different animals, mainly because of the unique aptitude and abilities that they possessed. Hence, there were several animal yoga positions that were derived, keeping the attributes of various animals in mind. The main purpose of practicing animal yoga postures is to emulate the skills, powers and flexibility present in animals. Moreover, it has been seen that animals are prone to fewer illnesses, aches and pains, as compared to humans. This is why the common yoga animals poses and postures stretch the arm, the thigh, the back, as well as the spine and the muscles. Given below are some of the common poses that are a part of animal yoga sequences:
• Ardho Mukha Svasana (The Downward Facing Dog Pose)
• Bhujangasana (The Cobra Pose)
• Bidalasana (The Cat Pose)
• Kurmasana (The Turtle Pose)
• Makrasana (The Crocodile Pose)
• Matsyasana (The Fish Pose)
• Rajakapotasana (The Pigeon Pose)
• Sashankasana (The Rabbit Pose)
• Shalabhasana (The Locust Pose)
• Simhasana (The Lion Pose)
• Ustrasana (The Camel Pose)
• Ek Hasta Bhujasana (The Elephant pose)
Given below, are some of the various benefits that have been associated with some of the most common yoga animal poses:
Elephant Pose Yoga
The yoga elephant pose is usually referred to as The Elephant Trunk Pose, which is the first step in improving overall fitness. Yoga gurus claim that this pose is an acrobatic one, which is excellent for a person to build the muscles in their arms. Therefore, people who want to develop the strength in their arms and wrist should practice the elephant pose regularly.
Dog Yoga Poses
The yoga dog poses, like the downward facing dog pose and the upward facing dog pose are usually practiced several times in most yoga studios and classes. This pose is a great way to boost the strength in the body. It is also a good resting and transitional pose. People who suffer from backaches are usually advised to practice the yoga dog poses, for long term relief. However, this pose should be avoided by those who suffer from spinal or other back problems. Since this pose increases the circulation of blood and air in the body, it helps to improve the overall functioning of all the organs within the body. This pose helps in relieving stress, anxiety, depression and several other negative emotions too. Studies indicate that this pose is very well known, not just by those people who practice yoga on a regular basis, but also by those who are not into yoga.
Cat Yoga Poses
The yoga cat poses are regarded as basic yoga poses, suitable for beginners as well as those who are at an advanced level. Before practicing some of the other, more complicated yoga poses, people are advised to perform Bidalasana or The Cat Pose, for increasing flexibility in the spine, exercising the muscles of the neck and for relieving tension in the shoulders. In addition to that, this pose loosens the entire back and neck, at the same time contracts the muscles in the abdominal area. This could be because this pose is excellent for improving overall circulation through the core and the spine. Most people who need to practice relaxation techniques are advised to practice the Cat Pose. Health experts claim that this pose has the benefits of massaging the organs in the abdominal area.
Animal yoga asanas are not the only poses that have been inspired from wildlife. Some of the poses in Yoga include yoga wildlife poses, yoga plant poses (like Vriskhasana or the Tree Pose) and yoga nature poses (Tadasana or The Mountain Pose). Even though there are numerous health benefits that have been associated with yoga pet poses and yoga animal positions, it is best to consult a doctor before trying any of them. This is more important in the case of children, the elderly as well as those people who are suffering from any preexisting medical condition. Moreover, kids who are too young should also avoid practicing, animal yoga for children. It is also important to make sure that all the yoga animal postures and asanas are performed under the guidance and supervision of a yoga teacher. In case the practice of an animal yoga routine leads to any adverse health problems, it is advisable to stop practicing it immediately and keep a doctor informed.
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
