Yoga posture Cobra (Bhujangasana) Is Not For Everyone

The Cobra Pose " (Bhujangasana)

In a Sanskrit language Bhujanga means a cobra hence the name, mostly used in the West. In the Bhujangasana (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 Yogasanas followed by Locust and Bow postures. It is also probably the most well known backward bending pose in hatha yoga.

Before attempting this powerful yoga movement of the Cobra pose the warm up of the muscles of the back is strongly recommended. During holding the 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.

Bhujangasana is a powerful backward bend asana which increases flexibility and 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 the backache can be removed.

However, Yoga like every other science is also a precise science and even though yoga posture Cobra is very healthy for some people however the same may not hold good for other people. There are many health conditions in which it is suggested that Cobra posture is not recommended.

Three important reasons for yoga practicers not to do the Cobra pose:

• This asana should not be attempted by pregnant women at all cost.

• A person suffering from Hernia should not practice this pose.

• If you have seriously injured your back, please avoid this posture.

Issued in the interest of people practicing Hatha Yoga by Subodh Gupta,Yoga Expert based in London.