06/03/2020
Week 8
Namaste beautiful people. How are you all? This is the last post of February 2020. When I first started doing yoga, I felt I could connect more to my inner self. Daily yoga kept me lively and positive throughout the day. I am trying to give back to the community and hope you all can benefit from it. If you benefit from my posts, please write to me. I would love to hear your stories.
The pose of the week is Chakrasana also known as Urdhva Dhanurasana (Wheel pose) beginners level. Chakrasana is classified as a symmetrical backward bending arm support pose.
How to perform
Lie on the back with knees bent and heels touching the buttocks
The feet and knees should be about 30 cm apart
Place the palms on the floor beside the head with the fingers pointing towards the shoulders
Slowly raise the body and arch the back, allowing the crown of the head to support the weight of the upper body
Move the hands further towards the body for more support if necessary.
Straighten the arms and legs as much as possible without straining and lift the head and trunk from the floor
Arch the back as high as is comfortable in the final position
Straighten the knees further by moving the trunk towards the head
Let the head hang between the straight arms
Lift the heels and balance on the balls of the feet and the hands for few seconds, then lower the heels
Hold the final position for as long as it is comfortable
Slowly lower the body so the head rests on the floor and then lower the rest of the body
(Photos show start to final position)
Duration – Hold the final pose as long as it is comfortable. Practice upto 3 rounds.
Breathing -
Inhale in the starting position
Retain the breath inside while raising the body
Retain the breath inside or breath normally in the final position
Exhale while lowering the body
Medical benefits -
Chakrasana strengthens the legs
Beneficial to the nervous, digestive, respiratory, cardiovascular and glandular systems
Influences all the hormonal secretions and helps relieve various gynaecological disorders
The entire front of the body is being stretched, which is good for introverts as this helps to open the heart chakra
Helps relieve stress and anxiety
Fitness level –
Chakrasana should not be practiced by people with spinal illness such as cervical and lumbar spondylitis, weak wrists, weak back, during pregnancy or when feeling generally tired
The caution for inverted postures apply
Note -
Because of the deep arch to the spine, it is best to do a counter pose, such as Matyasana( fish pose) after practicing chakrasana, to relieve any strain from the spine.
What would you like me to cover in the forthcoming posts? Your suggestions and ideas will help us grow this community. Please share your valuable thoughts.
Enjoy your yoga practice. I will be back with another asana next week.
Stay tuned and stay blessed🙏💚💚💚