Yoga

So today’s aricle would be a lot on energy and breath as a source.

Well yoga also brings us a lot of energy..

Breathing is very important; without breath, there is no value for our bodies. Yet neither at school, nor at home, have we been taught the importance of breathing. If we can understand the power of the breath, we can have a say over our thoughts, our feelings. We can control anger, negative moods. A few minutes of deep meditation gives so much energy.

You are made up of a substance called love. Like the body is made up of amino acids etc, the spirit is made up of love. Yet we have done very little to understand this. Everyone wants to love, and be loved, but we have not attended to the inner core of love. The power of love is so deep. It can heal people spiritually, physically, and emotionally.

Food. In ancient India, if someone is behaving funny, people will ask, ‘What did you feed him?’ or ‘What did you eat?’ Instead of asking, ‘Why are you behaving like this?’ This is true in some way. Attending to food is the first source of energy.

Sleep. Any sane person, if you do not let him sleep for two days, he will not be normal. There will be a drastic change in his or her behavior. So sleep or proper rest is important.

Breath is the third source of energy. A few minutes of breathing, and some yoga can energize the body and the mind, and uplift the spirit.

A happy mind, a comfortable mind is much more calm and collected. A few minutes of meditation makes the mind happy and comfortable.

So, these are the four sources of energy. People know of the first two to some extent, though they may not have paid much attention to it. The other two need to be known or told to people. They should be part of our education system.

Let’s talk of yoga postures and specially Bhujangasana and what it does to our body and mind…and also the energy levels.

What is Bhujangasana? (Cobra Stretch)

Bhujangasana is pronounced as Bhu-jung-aahs-uh-nuh.

Bhujangasana comes from the word bhujanga meaning cobra or snake and asana meaning pose. Bhujangasana is also known as Cobra Stretch. This pose is included in Suryanamaskar (Sun Salutations Pose) as well as Padma Sadhana.

Do you want to tone your abdomen but just can’t find the time to go to the gym? Are you feeling tired or stressed due to excessive workload?

Bhujangasana or Cobra Stretch is a solution to solve these and many other problems, just sitting (or lying down) at home! Bhujangasana, the Cobra Pose, is a pose that you do while lying down on your stomach. It gives your body (especially the back), a good stretch that melts your stress away almost instantly!

Benefits of Bhujangasana

Opens up the shoulders and neck to relieve pain

Tones the abdomen

Strengthens the entire back and shoulders

Improves flexibility of the upper and middle back

Expands the chest

Improves blood circulation

Reduces fatigue and stress

Useful for people with respiratory disorders such as asthma.

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

Make sure you perform this asana 4-5 hours after having your main meal. This will ensure that you are not uncomfortable lying on your stomach.

Ensure that you have done some basic warm-up and stretching exercises to loosen your arms, shoulders, neck, and back.

It is always best to practice yoga asanas in the morning. However, if you are unable to, make time in the evening.

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

Adho Mukhasvanasana (Downward-facing Dog Pose)

Salamba Bhujangasana (Sphinx Pose)

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

Tips for beginners

Keep smiling and breathing. Smiling Cobras! While Bhujangasana has many benefits and almost everyone can do it, in some cases, it’s advised to avoid it.

Avoid jerks and overstretching.

You may instinctively move your shoulders away from your ears. Keep them relaxed, even if it means bending your elbows. With regular practice, you will be able to deepen the stretch by straightening the elbows.

Ensure that your feet are still close together.

While maintaining the pose, breathe evenly.

Avoid practicing Bhujangasana if you are pregnant.

Do not practice it if you have fractured ribs or wrists, or have recently undergone abdominal surgeries, such as for hernia.

Also, avoid doing Bhujangasana if you suffer from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Do not practice this yoga pose during an asthmatic attack.

Practice the Cobra Pose under a trained teacher for guidance if you have suffered from chronic diseases or spinal disorders in the past.

Ideally, all yoga asanas should be done under the proper guidance of a trained teacher.

Practicing yoga helps develop the body and mind, yet is not a substitute for medicine. It is essential to learn and practice yoga under the supervision of a trained yoga teacher. In case of any medical condition, practice yoga only after consulting your doctor and a Sri Sri Yoga teacher.

What are the steps of Bhujangasana?

Bhujangasana steps: (You may refer to the video also) Lie down on your stomach Shoulders supporting the pose on palms Breathe in and raise your head, chest, and abdomen Go vertebra by vertebra at a time Arms bent at elbows Slowly arch your neck, look upward Press stomach (navel) and toes toward the floor Hold in the pose for 4 breaths Breathe out and lower your abdomen, chest, and head Repeat the pose for 4 times.

How many minutes we should do Bhujangasana?

We can hold in the pose for 4-5 breaths. Repeat the pose for 4-5 times. The time period depends on how long one can hold the pose.

How many times should one do Bhujangasana?

We can repeat bhujangasana for 4-5 times either in the morning or evening.

What is Bhujangasana in yoga?

In bhujangasana our upper body is rasied upward like a cobra does. Bhujangasana is a Sanskrit combo of two words- bhujang (cobra or snake) & asana (pose).

Is Bhujangasana good for belly fat?

Bhujangasana is said to be a good asana to reduce the belly fat as it tones the abdomen.

Is Bhujangasana good for lungs?

Bhujangasana opens the chest so is good for the lungs. The respiratory ailments like asthma is benefitted by the practice of this asana.