Yoga Pose Cobra (Bhujangasana) -Benefits and Precautions
It is said that “The yoga pose Cobra destroys all diseases and increases body heat”.
In a Sanskrit language, Bhujanga means a cobra hence the name, mostly used in the West.
In the Bhujangasana or the Cobra pose, the body is facing downward while the upper body is curling up and back resembling a snake with its head raised ready to strike. This pose is mostly practiced as the first in the series of backward bending asanas followed by Locust pose (Salabhasana) and Bow posture (Dhanurasana).
Before attempting the powerful movement of the yoga pose Cobra it is important that back muscles must be warmed up.
During holding the Cobra pose the legs do not remain passive; they are extended down from the hips. While you start lifting your upper body from the floor, be aware of the point where you have extended as far as you can without straining your back.
Keep your elbows slightly bent and do not push it up over your zone limit. The best way to check if you are not too high is to take your hands off the floor for a moment so that the height you find will be comfortable and safe.
During Bhujangasana the spine receives a powerful backward stretch which increases flexibility of the spine, strengthens the spine and rejuvenates the spinal nerves.
Each vertebra of the spine is given a rich supply of the blood. This posture is excellent tonic for women as it tones the ovaries and uterus and it helps to alleviate the menstrual problems. By regular practice of the Cobra pose it is said that the backache can be removed.
However beneficial may be the yoga pose such as Headstand (Shirsasana) or Shoulderstand (Sarvangasana) one must observe the precautions and under certain health conditions it is preferable not to do the yoga pose Cobra Bhujangasana such as in the following cases:
1) This Yoga asana should not be attempted by pregnant women at all cost.
2) A person suffering from Hernia should not practice this pose.
3) If you have injured your back please, avoid this posture.
Issued in the interest of people practicing Hatha Yoga by Subodh Gupta, Yoga Expert based in London. More info Subodh Gupta Biography