Sanskrit word “Bhujanga” means cobra. In this asana the body resembles cobra.
Benefits
a) This asana can work wonders for the spine as well as the back by increasing their strength and flexibility.
b) Improves the circulation of blood and oxygen throughout the spinal and pelvic region.
c) Clears the passages of the heart and the lungs.
d) This asana can be of great help for asthmatic patients.
e) Makes the adrenal glands and the kidney stronger.
f) It regulates the functioning of thyroid gland.
g) Practice of this asana during menstruation period can remove the pain.
h) Tones the ovaries and the uterus and helps to alleviate gynecological disorders.
i) Increases the digestive power and immune system.
j) Removes constipation, gastric, acidity and other stomach problems and also stimulates appetite.
k) It balances the navel point.
l) It activates the nervous system and relieves stress and fatigue.
m) This asana increases the concentration power.
n) Stretches and strengthens the muscles in the shoulders, chest and the abdominal area
o) Stimulates the organs in the abdomen.
p) Firms up and tones the buttocks.
q) Tones the liver, making it beneficial for those with a sluggish liver.
Precautions
a) Strictly prohibited for the pregnant ladies.
b) This asana is not advisable for peptic ulcer patients.
c) Person with severe back pain and disc problem must avoid this asana.
d) People with injured arms and palm should practice it with great care.
e) Hernia and hyperthyroidism patients should avoid this asana.
Preparatory Exercise
1) Stand straight with your hands on your waist.
2) Bend your back forward slowly.
3) Return back to normal position.
4) Bend your back backwards slowly.
5) Repeat above steps 8 to 10 times.
6) Now lie down on stomach with your palms next to shoulders.
7) Raise upper part of your body slowly till your arms straighten.
8) Return back to normal position.
9) Repeat above three steps, 8 to 10 times.
Technique
1) Lie down on stomach with feet stretched and joined together.
2) Place your left palm next to left shoulder and right arm next to right shoulder.
3) Now apply pressure with the help of your hands and raise the upper part of the body till the navel point while inhaling simultaneously.
4) Hold your breath for 4-5 seconds in this position.
5) Return back to the normal position while exhaling simultaneously.
6) Repeat above steps 7 to 8 times.