Benefits of Bhujangasana

Bhujangasana (Cobra Stretch) is derived from the Sanskrit words bhujanga, which means cobra or serpent, and asana, which means pose. Cobra Stretch is also known as Bhujangasana. This pose is a component of both Suryanamaskar (Sun Salutations) and Padma Sadhana. Here are defining of Benefits of Bhujangasana.

You want to tone your abdominal muscles but simply cannot find the time to go to the gym. Are you feeling exhausted or anxious as a result of a heavy workload? 

Bhujangasana or Cobra Stretch is a solution to these and numerous other conditions that can be performed while seated (or lying) at home! Bhujangasana, or the Cobra Pose, is performed while reclining on the stomach. It provides your body (particularly your back) a good stretch that almost instantaneously relieves stress!

Benefits of Bhujangasana (Cobra Stretch)

1. Opens up the shoulders and neck to relieve pain
2. Tones the abdomen
3. Strengthens the entire back and shoulders
4. Improves flexibility of the upper and middle back
5. Expands the chest
6. Improves blood circulation
7. Reduces fatigue and stress
8. Useful for people with respiratory disorders such as asthma

Bhujangasana (Cobra Stretch) Steps

1. Lie down on your stomach with your toes flat on the floor, soles facing upwards; rest your forehead on the ground.
2. Keep your legs close together, with your feet and heels lightly touching each other.
3. Place both hands in such a way that palms are touching ground under your shoulders, elbows should be parallel and close to your torso. 
4. Taking a deep breath in, slowly lift your head, chest and abdomen. Keep your navel on the floor.
5. Pull your torso back and off the floor with the support of your hands. Make sure that you are putting equal pressure on both the palms.
6. Keep breathing with awareness, as you curve your spine, vertebra by vertebra. If possible, straighten your arms by arching your back as much as possible; tilt your head back and look up 
7. Maintain the pose while breathing evenly for 4-5 breaths. 
8. Now, breathe out, and gently bring your abdomen, chest, and head back to the floor and relax.
9. Repeat 4-5 times.

Prerequisites for Bhujangasana and Benefits of Bhujangasana

It is best to do this asana in an ideal physical state, to enjoy maximum benefits.

• Ensure that you perform this asana four to five hours after your primary meal. This will ensure that lying on your stomach is not bothersome.
• Ensure that you have performed some fundamental arm, shoulder, neck, and back stretching and warm-up exercises.
• Yoga asanas are always best practiced in the morning. Nonetheless, if you cannot, make time in the evening.

Also read: Yoga Poses for Weight Loss

Preparatory poses

Bhujangasana becomes more seamless when you ease yourself into it with these preparatory poses:

• Adho Mukhasvanasana
• Salamba Bhujangasana (Sphinx Pose) 

Now, you can attempt the Bhujangasana. It is quite simple, especially with this step-by-step guide.