Shalabhasana
[sha-la-BAHS-anna]
Shalabhasana means locust. This posture resembles a locust eating with its head down and its tail up. Locusts are known for their power, energy, and ability to take great leaps.
Benefits of Locust Pose
- Massages the internal organs, aiding digestion and elimination.
- Stretches the muscles on the front side of the body, releasing physical tension.
- Opens the endocrine system.
Contraindications
- People suffering from high blood pressure or heart disease may need to avoid this pose.
- Stroke victims may also need to avoid this asana — anything that increases pressure in the neck and head could be problematic.
- Prenatal students should avoid lying in a prone position.
Step-by-Step
- Lie prone on your stomach. Breathe into your belly. Notice the connection between the front side of your body and the earth.
- Bring your arms out to the sides of your body at about a 45° angle.
- Lift your arms, shoulders, head, and legs on an inhale and lower on an exhale.
- Start at the top of the cervical spine to lift your head, neck, shoulders and chest.
- When lifting the lower back, start at the tailbone and move from the base to the middle.
- Lengthen the crown of your head away from your toes.
- Pressing the pubic bone and hip flexors down into the mat.
- Ensure that your neck stays long and does not bend too much. The neck should merely complete the arc of the rest of the spine.
- Ensure that the sacrum stays wide and does not hold too much tension as you extend the spine.
- Feel your heart lifting on each inhale.
- Enjoy a sense of expansion on all sides of your body.
Preparatory Poses
Counter Poses
