Ardha Shalabhasana -
The Half-Locust Pose
"Shalabha" means "locust" in Sanskrit. The final position of this asana resembles a locust when it lowers its head to eat and raises its tail. Hence, the name. 'Ardha' means 'half' in Sanskrit.
Sequence:
- Lie flat on your abdomen and chest with the face downwards.
- Keep the hips close to the floor and the legs straight and close to each other.
- Keep your arms stretched back on the sides.
- Raise your head a little and place your chin on the floor.
- Clench your fingers into fists and place them on the floor facing upwards.
- Inhale and hold your breath.
- Pressing the fists down, raise backward your left leg as far up as you can, keeping the leg straight and outstretched.
- Hold the breath and maintain the position for about five seconds.
- Exhaling slowly, press the fists down and lower the leg without bending the knee.
- Repeat with the right leg.
Caution:
- Do not clench your fist too tight or too loose.
- Persons with hernia, weak lungs and cardiac complaints should not practice the asana.
- Pregnant women should also not practice this asana.
Benefits:
- It improves blood circulation.
- It dissolves excess fat from the thighs, hips, waist, abdomen and the posterior.
- Diabetic patient may practice this asana to control the disease.
- It relieves constipation and improves digestion.
- This yoga pose benefits women through its effect on the ovaries and uterus, helping to correct disorders of these organs.
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