Allow Salabhasana to ease you back into your body and practice this January

January Pose of the Month

Salabhasana – Locust Pose

Salabha – (Locust) Asana – (Pose)

Level: 1

January has arrived upon us and maybe we’re feeling a little bit sluggish but do not fear Yoga is here. Its normally around this time that we start to think about the positive changes that we’d like to make in our lives. But after the long working hours that most of you endured over December followed by the late nights and possible excessive alcohol and food consumption that accompanies Christmas, we often feel like our bodies aren’t yet ready to follow through on the actions required to make those changes. So let me assure you that January’s sequence will ease movement and energy back into your body.

Salabhasana looks attainable and friendly, and it is accessible to all but it is surprisingly more difficult than it looks. So why do I feel Salabhasana is the perfect pose for January? Its uncomplicated so doesn’t require a lot of brain power but it strengthens the entire back body from feet to head. Strengthening the upper back muscles helps to improve the posture and relieves stress and fatigue related to slouching. The back-bend helps to open the chest and lungs, expanding your lung capacity to help prepare them for all those runs and fitness classes that are on the horizon.

Locust Pose gently strengthens the abdominal muscles and stimulates the digestive system helping to ease the digestive issues like, indigestion, constipation and flatulence that may be caused by eating foods our bodies don’t normally receive.

So lets welcome in 2019 by strengthening our backs, improving our posture and easing any digestive issues that we may have by practicing Salabhasana to bring life and energy back into our bodies.

MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL BENEFITS

  • Promotes calmness

  • Improves focus

  • Reduces stress and tension

  • Energises the entire body

PHYSICAL BENEFITS

  • Strengthens in the muscles in the back

  • Strengthens the glutes and hamstrings

  • Tones the back of arms

  • Stretches the shoulders, chest, belly and thighs

  • Improves Posture

  • Stimulates the abdominal organs

  • Increases circulation

THERAPEUTIC BENEFITS

  • Eases fatigue

  • Mild depression

  • Mild lower back pain

  • Arthritis in the knees

  • Constipation

  • Indigestion

  • Flatulence

 

CONTRAINDICATIONS AND CAUTIONS

  • Headache

  • Serious back injury

  • Neck Injuries – be mindful to keep the back of the long by pointing the nose down to the floor

  • Pregnancy

HINTS AND TIPS

  • If its difficult to lift your chest, you can place your hands beside your chest like cobra and raise you legs

  • You can lift one leg at a time, if lifting both is too challenging

  • If you feel pinching in your lower back don’t lift as high and check that you are engaging the belly

  • Lifting up to quickly can trigger cramps in soles of feet, hamstrings or lower back if you are prone to them – to avoid this come up slowly and maybe don’t lift as high

  • If your shoulders are tight you can use a belt

  • You can lift just the chest if your back needs more support

  • You can lift just the legs if the chest won’t lift

#JanuaryPoseoftheMonth #SalabhasabaLocustPose #ImprovePosture #Improvedigestion #Babybackbend

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