Bhujangasana

Raja bhujangasana 2

Naja naja cobra a lunettes 69

Sarpasana in Sritattvanidhi

Bhujangasana in Yogasopana

Bhujangasana Yoga-Asana Nina-Mel

IMG 0549 2 Sphinx

Bhujangasana (Sanskrit: भुजङ्गासन), also known as Cobra Pose, is a reclining back-bending asana in Hatha Yoga and modern yoga as exercise. The name comes from the Sanskrit words "bhujanga" meaning "snake" or "serpent" and "asana" meaning "posture" or "seat".

Etymology and Origins

The term "Bhujangasana" is derived from the Sanskrit words "bhujanga" (snake) and "asana" (posture). This pose is named for its resemblance to a cobra with its hood raised. It is a part of the sequence of postures in Surya Namaskar, or Sun Salutation.

Technique

To perform Bhujangasana:

1. Lie prone on the floor. Stretch your legs back, tops of the feet on the floor.
2. Place your hands on the floor under your shoulders. Hug the elbows back into your body.
3. Press the tops of the feet and thighs and the pubis firmly into the floor.
4. On an inhalation, begin to straighten the arms to lift the chest off the floor, going only to the height at which you can maintain a connection through your pubis to your legs.
5. Hold the pose for 15 to 30 seconds, breathing easily.
6. Release back to the floor with an exhalation.

Benefits

Bhujangasana is known for its numerous benefits, including:

• Strengthening the spine
• Stretching the chest, lungs, shoulders, and abdomen
• Firming the buttocks
• Stimulating abdominal organs
• Helping to relieve stress and fatigue
• Opening the heart and lungs

Precautions and Contraindications

Individuals with the following conditions should avoid practicing Bhujangasana:

• Back injury
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Headache
• Pregnancy

Related Asanas

• Urdhva Mukha Svanasana (Upward-Facing Dog Pose)
• Salabhasana (Locust Pose)
• Dhanurasana (Bow Pose)

See Also

• Hatha Yoga
• Surya Namaskar
• Asana
• Yoga