Purna Shalabhasana, commonly known as Full Locust Pose, is the advanced version of Shalabhasana (Locust Pose). The Sanskrit name Purna Shalabhasana is derived from three words, the first Purna, which means Full, the second Shalabh, which means Locust and the third. Asana, which means posture. This asana gives intense stretching to the back and abdomen. In this asana, the whole body seems to have the shape of a grasshopper. This asana is very beneficial for the spine because it strengthens it and makes it very flexible. At the same time, Purna Shalabhasana has several other advantages, but let’s get to know the stages of Purna Shalabhasana practice.
Steps to practice Purna Shalabhasana (Full Locust Pose)
Before practicing Purna Shalabhasana, be sure to master Shalabhasana.
It is very important to know the correct alignment of the body in an asana to avoid any kind of injury and to reap maximum benefits. Here are the steps to follow to practice Purna Shalabhasana properly:
- Inhale deeply and take the final position of Shalabhasana keeping your legs as high as possible in the air.
- Stretch and exert pressure on the muscles of both arms.
- Keep your arms and shoulders firmly in contact with the ground to support the whole body.
- Then lift both legs vertically with a reflex. Balance on the shoulders, arms and
- After balancing the body in a stable posture, slowly bend both knees, bringing both toes down to touch the head and hold the breath inside the body.
- Take normal breaths and stay in the same position as long as you find it comfortable.
- Hold your breath inside and return by lifting both feet of the head, finding the point of balance for the whole body, then slowly and carefully lowering the whole body.
- Now, turn your head or practice Advasana (Reverse Body Pose). Relax until breathing and heart rate return to normal.
Practicing 1-2 rounds of this asana is usually enough. With practice, we can increase the duration. It is more beneficial to practice it before or after any asana bent forward.
Precautions for Purna Shalabhasana (Full Locust Pose)
The precautions to be taken by Purna Shalabhasana for a safer practice are:
- Avoid forcing the body beyond its limits as this could cause pain in the body.
- Avoid doing this asana if your body is very stiff, if your back, your joints are fragile or if your heart is weak, as this could increase complications.
- People suffering from this disease should avoid this asana: back pain, high blood pressure, joint pain, hernia, coronary thrombosis, hyperthyroidism, spinal disorders, ulcer or cervical spondylitis.
Benefits of Full Shalabhasana (Full Locust Pose)
The health benefits of Purna Shalabhasana that a person may experience gradually with regular practice are as follows:
- Improve blood circulation in the body.
- Stretch and strengthen the back and pelvic organs.
- Improve digestion and stimulate appetite.
- Helps tighten the buttocks muscles.
- Useful in eliminating obesity because it removes excess fat from the body.
- Improve body posture and stretch and strengthen muscles.
- Tightens and balances the function of all abdominal organs. Most beneficial for the liver, stomach and intestines.
Staying healthy remains strong and gets the best from life.
