Bhujangasana (The Serpent Pose)

Etymology and Origins of Bhujangasana

Bhujangasana is a Sanskrit word, meaning “The Serpent or Cobra Pose”. “Bhujangasana” means Snake or Cobra Pose with its hood raised. It is also called a reclining back-bending Yoga Asana in the Hatha Yoga tradition of ancient India. It is also known as “downward dog pose” because of its similarity with a dog in a reclining position. It has become an essential Yoga Asana in the modern age. This Yoga has many physical and mental benefits.

Step by Step Instructions of Bhujangasana

Lie down straight on a Yoga mat or a soft bed with your face downward.
Now stretch out your whole body, legs and hands as far as possible keeping the palms on both sides, close to your breasts and folded at the elbow.
Raise your heads slowly along with your chest, breast and head till the belly and navel.
Your head and neck will be directed towards the upward side, sky, as if it looks like a cobra hood or reclining dog.
The feet and navel must be attached to the ground.
The hands should not be used as full support, though they will remain in feather touch position. Because if you cannot keep the upper part of your body on its own, only then use the hand support.
Taking support of the hands will reduce the full benefits of this great Yoga.
Inhale slowly when raising your chest, breast, neck and head.
Keep in that position for some seconds depending on your comfortability.
Then slowly exhale while descending to the original position and touch the ground with your belly, chest, breast and of course forehead.
After a few seconds, do it again.
In this way, practice it 5 to 7 times in one go.
Always do it in an empty stomach.

Benefits of Bhujangasana

Anatomical Focus and Disease Control

Bhujangasana keeps your spine flexible throughout life.
This Yoga cures curvatures of the spine and maintains its flexibility.
It revitalizes the nerves and muscles attached to the spine.
It also tones up the nerves and muscles of the heart, abdomen, thigh and hips.
Young girls and boys can make their bust, breast, chest, abdomen and hips well developed.
If you practice it for long, your aging will be deferred.
It also rejuvenates the pelvic nerves and muscles so that your sex power will be heightened.
Also, the air preserving capability of the lungs will be improved so that your blood will remain purified by an adequate flow of oxygen.
Boys will get more power of concentration.

Benefits for Girls and Women

This Yoga revitalizes the nerves and muscles attached to the spine of the practicing girls and women.
The nerves and muscles of the heart, breasts, abdomen, thigh and hips of the girls and women will be athletic type so that they will become younger and attractive.
Young girls can make their bust, breast, chest, abdomen and hips well developed.
If you practice it for long, your aging will be deferred.
It also rejuvenates your pelvic nerves and muscles so that your sex power will be heightened.
Also, the air preserving capability of the lungs will be improved so that your blood will remain purified by the flow of oxygen.
Girls will get more power of concentration and compete well in the examination and job market.
It also cures female diseases like Leucorrhea (whitish or yellowish discharge of mucus from the vagina).
Most importantly for girls and women, this Yoga helps in curing menstrual difficulties.
It is better to avoid doing this Yoga during peak Menstrual Period.