Bhujangasana

Bhujangasana is also known as The Cobra Pose. This is a posture of Hatha Yoga.

The Name Bhujangasana, comes from the combination of 2 words from the Sanskrit Language i.e. Bhujanga – Meaning Serpent and Asana – meaning Pose.

This is a very good asana / posture for resolving back problems. It helps to strengthen chest, abdomen, shoulders, helps to firm the buttocks. More importantly, helps to relieve stress.
Bhujangasana increases body heat, destroys disease, and awakens kundalini.

How to do Bhujangasana?
Here is a step by step guide on how to do Bhujangasana..
1.Lie on the floor - back up. Stretch your legs back, tops of the feet on the floor. Spread your hands on the floor under your shoulders. Hug the elbows back into your body.
2.Press the top of the feet and thighs and the pubis firmly on the floor.
3.On inhalation, begin to straighten the arms to lift the chest off the floor, going only to the height at which you can maintain a connection through your pubis to your legs.

4.Press the tailbone toward the pubis and lift the pubis toward the navel.
5.Narrow the hip points. Firm but don't harden the buttocks.
6.Firm the shoulder against the back, puffing the side ribs forward. Lift through the top of the sternum but avoid pushing the front ribs forward, which only hardens the lower back.
7.Distribute the backbend evenly throughout the entire spine.
8.Hold the pose for 15 to 30 seconds, breath easily. Release back to the floor with an exhalation.

Benefits of Bhujangasana:
1.Bhujangasana affects the adrenal glands, by supplying them more blood.
2.Helps to tone uterus, liver & ovaries
3.Helps to strengthen back muscles, abdomen and upper body.
4.Helps people facing problems of back ache due to overwork or long hours of standing.
5.Helps to control menstrual irregularities.
6.Relieves constipation.
7.Relieves gastro-intestinal problems.

Yoga Postures

Engage yourself in the right posture for any kind of yoga pose that you do. Remember, the importance of yoga & its benefits, depend highly upon the body posture. A well maintained postured not only allows your body the ease of doing any pose, it also helps you to attain the desired benefits as early as possible. Here are some common yoga poses:

Yoga Styles

Beginner's Guide to Yoga

Yoga is derived from the Sanskrit Language. The word of 'Yuj' - meaning "Union" orginated in India more than 5000 years ago. Yoga majorly focusses on breathing, meditation, flexibility of the body through yoga asanas. Yoga is very spiritual in nature, and helps to link the body, mind & soul.

For beginners, a regular practice of yoga for 5-10 mins. a day, by practicing basic pranayama (breathing exercises) and some basic asanas, is a good practice. You dont need a yoga trainer or maestro to train you to begin yoga. Basic yoga can be started by just knowing the basics of it and reading some good literature on the subject.

Yoga offers an increased concentration level, better connection in body & soul, greater strength & flexibility to body. It helpd in better co-ordination of body & mind.

Some basic Styles of Yoga for beginners:

If you're new to yoga, here are a few of the most common yoga styles that may be followed:

Ashtanga yoga (also referred to as Power yoga) is a fast-paced, intense yoga style. It focuses on constant movement from one pose to the next. However, this system does allow each student to work at her own pace.

Bikram, or Hot yoga, is practiced in an environment where the temperature is 95-100 degrees Fahrenheit. The heat promotes intense sweating that will loosen tight muscles and facilitate cleansing of the body.

Hatha yoga is a general term. These workouts usually include basic introductory yoga poses, and move at a gentle and slow pace.

Iyengar yoga: in this style, poses are held for a longer duration. The purpose of this is for students to recognize the subtleties of each posture and to pay attention to their musculoskeletal system and body alignment. Using props (blocks, belts, blankets, etc.) to accommodate a variety of fitness levels and special needs is common in Iyengar yoga.

Vinyasa yoga includes more aggressive stretches. These workouts focus on sun salutations and the connection of breath and movement.