Just the perfect yoga exercise for improving spinal flexibility, the Locust pose, also called as shalabha-asana, is a challenging yoga pose that requires practice. Aside from providing necessary strength to your lower back, upper legs, stomach and intestines, the Locust pose helps strengthening the bladder, provides stretch to your spine and relieves gastrointestinal gas.
Steps Involved
1. Lie flat on the floor on your stomach and turn your body to one side. Your palms should face upward.
2. Next, as you turn your head, your chin should rest on the floor. Place your hands under your thighs and apply gentle pressure.
3. Try to raise your chest, legs and head off the floor or yoga mat while inhaling. Bend your neck and tilt your head. Make sure that your feet, knees and thighs are in perfect contact with each other.
4. Try focusing on your head, neck, spine, thighs, joints and feet respectively. Stay in this position while holding your breath. For providing the necessary support to your legs, you may press your hands against your thighs.
5. Hold your breath and try to stay in this position for as long as you can. Now, while exhaling, bring your legs, chest and head to the floor.
6. Finally, place your arms alongside your body and turn your head to one side.
Benefits
1. The Locust pose is highly beneficial in relieving flatulence, constipation, fatigue, indigestion and lower back pain.
2. It stretches your chest, stomach, thighs and shoulders.
3. Also termed as Shalabhasana, this pose help you strengthen your spinal muscles, back of the arms and legs.
4. Yoga practitioners may find this pose extremely effective in improving posture, stimulating abdominal organs and relieving stress.
Please Note
People who are suffering with headache, serious back injury, neck injuries should avoid this pose.
