Salabhasana (Locust pose)

Salabhasana (Locust Pose)

Etymology and Origins of Salabhasana

Shalabhasana or Salabhasana is a Sanskrit word as found in the ancient Yoga tradition of India. It means Grasshopper pose or Locust pose, that is, a reclining back-bending Asana in modern Yoga science. This Yoga Asana has few variations as shown in the figures. It is a highly beneficial pose with some difficulty for the beginners.

Step by Step Instructions of Salabhasana

Lie down straight on a Yoga mat with face downward, touch the chin on the ground.
Place your hands along (or just below) the thighs.
Now raise up anyone leg upward as far as possible, keep it perfectly straight, while your body and other leg remain attached to the ground.
Stay in this position for a few seconds, then return to the original position.
Repeat the same feat with the other leg, always in exhaling lungs.
Repeat the same process 3 to 4 times for each leg.
Now time to do the process with both legs upward from the waist. This appears tough at the beginning as you will feel keeping up both legs require power and control. You need to press hard your hands on the ground to raise the legs.
After repeating 3 to 4 times the feat with both legs, you will feel that the power of your waist, muscles and nerves are increasing and freeing your lower parts of the body.
Alternatively, you may also stretch and raise your legs as before and hands beyond the head while basing your pressure on your belly, making an arch or curvature.
All the variations as shown in the figures will do good to your body.

Benefits of Salabhasana

Anatomical Focus & Disease Control

As you know, Bhujangasana (Serpent pose) strengthens or tone up the upper part of the body. Shalabhasana reinforces the lower part of the body with emphasis on pelvic region.
It prevents Rheumatism of the waist, legs and hands.
Practicing this Yoga helps you walk long distances on foot. It is very helpful for hikers.
It increases stamina and decreases fatigue.
This Yoga reduces surplus fats accumulated on your buttocks and hips. So, you become elegant, your age diminishes.
The nerves of the lungs also get invigorated so that air cells are developed.
It alleviates diseases of the stomach and bowels.
It enhances blood circulation to the spine and upper body.
It activates the kidneys, liver and all the organs of the lower part of the body.
It also stimulates your appetite and increases digestive power.

Benefits for Girls & Women

It cures the continued pain at the sacrum (pelvis triangular bone) of girls and women which is a very common effect of their Menstrual period.
This Yoga reduces surplus fats accumulated on your buttocks, belly and hips. So, you become elegant, your age diminishes.
It reduces lethargy and increases stamina for girls and women.
It strengthens your pelvic region so that Menstrual pain and childbearing trouble get ameliorated.
Your backache during the Menstrual period will be alleviated.
Since this Yoga enhances blood circulation to the spine, lower and upper body, you become younger and beautiful.

Precautions

Initially, you may find it difficult to do. So, get slowly accustomed to this Yoga.
Girls and women should check whether they feel comfortable if they try it during the Menstrual period. Otherwise, avoid practicing it during the 5 days.
Always do it in an empty stomach and bowels.

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