Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Chakra Asana

Chakra Asana - The Wheel Pose

In sanskrit, Chakra means Wheel.. Thus the posture signifies the shape of the Wheel and is also known as the Wheel Posture. This asana has the highest difficulty level, hence beginners should wait for the complete body flexibility & comfort so as to attain a complete Wheel Posture. Though, slowly & steadily the posture can be attained to perfection.

The chakra-asana is more challenging than any other yoga postures. Don't be discouraged if you are unable to accomplish it right away. Even attempting this posture without successful completion holds great benefits.

How to do Chakrasana?


1. Lie flat on your back.
2. While exhaling, bend your kneed & bring the feet as close to your buttocks, with soles of your feet firmly flat on the floor.
3. Bend your arms at the elbows & place your palms flat on the floor, directly under each shoulder with fingers, pointing towards the back.
4. While inhaling slowly, begin to raise your head, back & buttocks, off the floor while arching your spine; Continue pressing downwards on the hands and feet while raising your hips & stomach as high as possible.
5. Hold on for the duration of your held-inhaled breath. (preferably - 10-15 counts initially.) Then, slowly exhale & return back to the floor, slide the legs out straight returning to your posture @ step-1.


Benefits of Chakrasana

1. Restores the strength & suppleness to your spine.
2. Strengthens arms, shoulders & upper back.
3. Stimulates the cardiovascular system.
4. Helps regulate blood supply to all parts of the body, most importantly your head.
5. Gives an overall tonic effect to your entire body & refreshes you completely.