Shashankasana or Balasana, known as the pose of the child, hare pose or rabbit pose in English is a relaxing pose. The Sanskrit name Shashankasana is derived from two words, Shashank + Asana; where Shashank represents the moon and Asana, the posture. The word Shashank itself is made up of two words, Shash and Ank, where Shash represents the rabbit and Ank the term turn. The position of this asana is similar to that adopted by rabbits and therefore its name. The soothing effects of this asana relax the body, releasing all the stress and anxiety, as well as several other benefits, Shashankasana, but first, explain the steps to follow to practice this Shashankasana.
Steps to Practice Shashankasana (Rabbit Pose)
It is essential to know the proper alignment of the body in an asana to avoid the formulation of any type of injury and to obtain the maximum benefits of asana. Below are the steps to properly practice Shashankasana:
Basic position: Vajrasana
- Sit in Vajrasana with your palms on your thighs, just above your knees. Keep your eyes closed and relax the whole body.
- Inhale and lift your arms over your head. The elbows should be straight, keeping the width of the shoulders spread between the arms.
- Exhale and slowly move the torso forward. Bend the pelvic area not the spine.
- Keep your arms slightly bent and put your hands, forehead and elbows on the mat. The arms must be in front of the knees. This is the final position.
- Keep the position as long as you want. This could be convenient from a minute to 5 minutes.
- To return to the basic position, exhale and slowly lift the forehead, the arms in an upright position, lower the arms by pressing the palms of the hands on the thighs.
- Relax and take deep breaths.
Perform 3 times increasing the duration gradually.
Precautions for Shashankasana (Rabbit Pose)
For safer practice, one must be aware of the precautions to keep in mind.
- In the final position, the buttocks must touch the heels. At first, many people tend to lift the buttocks to touch the forehead. Move only as far as possible without lifting the buttocks and without forcing the body.
- People suffering from any of these conditions should avoid practicing Shashankasana: dizziness, high blood pressure, knee problems or slipped disc.
- Pregnant women should also avoid practicing this asana.
Benefits of Shashankasana (Rabbit Pose)
The health benefits of practicing Shashankasana are as follows:
- Useful for getting rid of constipation.
- Relieves the stress of vertebral vertebrae.
- Leads to the proper functioning of the adrenal glands.
- Stretch the back muscles making them stronger.
- Improves the health of male and female reproductive organs.
- Tones and massages the muscles of the pelvic area and the sciatic nerve.
Stay healthy, stay strong and get the best out of life.
