In today’s day and age, the average human is burdened with an undue amount of stress on a daily basis. Often, this manifests into a number of health problems, of which BP is a major condition. Blood Pressure is a condition that is considered to be “very common” in adults, and in fact, 1 in 3 adults is affected by Blood Pressure.
Yoga can do wonders for stress, and has the ability to relax your body and mind, and therefore, can have a direct impact in lowering your blood pressure. there are many brain yoga exercise that you should practice. Specially Salabhasana is an asana that is especially good for lowering your blood pressure by alleviating your stress and anxiety.
Salabhasana or Locust Pose
How to Do Salabhasana
Salabhasana, also reffered to as Locust Pose, is a great way to rejuvenate your back muscles, chest, and spine and feel energised and rejuvenated.
Salabhasana comes from the Sanskrit words ‘salabha’ meaning locust and ‘asana’ meaning pose. Salabhasana is also known as the Grasshopper Pose or the Locust Pose.
Salabhasana Benefits
- Salabhasana is useful for losing excess fat and toning the abdominal muscles.
- Salabhasana is good for strengthening your back muscles.
- Salabhasana can help to replenish and repair your entire spinal cord.
- Salabhasana can help to relieve neck pain, strengthen neck muscles, and repair neck joint defects.
- It entails stretching, which aids digestion and intestine functioning.
- Salabhasana can help alleviate urinary tract problems.
- Salabhasana helps keep the reproductive system healthy.
- Salabhasana is beneficial for uterine strengthening.
- Salabhasana can help to regulate a normal cycle and treat menstrual problems.
- Salabhasana strengthens the hip bones and reduces the size of the thigh muscles.
Locust Pose Variations
1. Ardha Salabhasana
How to Do Ardha Salabhasana
The Ardha Salabhasana is a variation of the Locust Pose that is especially helpful in strengthening the muscles of the hips, back, pelvis, and psoas. It is a one legged movement unlike the traditional Locust Pose which involves the movement of both legs.
It is a great asana to improve flexibility, hip mobility, and general well-being.
Benefits Of Ardha Salabhasana
- This pose strengthens the lower back and increases core strength.
- Helps to tone the leg and gluteus muscles, helping you build muscle and maintain your curves.
- Stretches your entire spine, thereby increasing spinal flexibility.
- Improves blood circulation. In turn, this helps to alleviate stress and anxiety.
- Helps to facilitate healthy functioning of the Endocrine system. This in turn helps to reduce stress and anxiety.
- The stretching of the lower back and pelvis helps to aid in digestion. In turn, it relieves conditions like constipation and gas.
2. Inverted Locust
How to Do Inverted Locust Pose
Viparita Shalabhasana is a form of Locust pose that has been adapted for more experienced practitioners of Yoga. It is also commonly referred to as the Superman pose.
It is derived from the Sanskrit words Viparita which means turned around or reversed, and Shalabha which means locust. It also pays homage to the God Gandharva.
This Asana is for seat, pose, and posture. Viparita Salabhasana yoga pose is an intense one that requires a lot of core and arm strength to lift your weight against the floor, so it is classified as an advanced pose. This is the best pose to stretch and strengthen your back muscles.
Benefits Of Inverted Locust
- This asana alleviates anxiety and reduces stress levels by improving blood circulation, aiding digestion, and improving the endocrine system.
- It strengthens the abdominal, spinal, and pelvic muscles.
- It invokes the heart chakra and the solar plexus.
Common Mistakes People Do While Practicing The Locust Pose
1. Crunching the neck
This happens when your neck is too tight or firm. It also happens when your neck is not in the correct position, which can lead to neck pain and neck-related injuries.
The neck should form a neutral curve with the spine and should not be twisted or crunched upwards. To ensure this is done properly, keep your neck long and lift your chin up a few centimeters while maintaining your gaze on the ground.
2. Bending the Knee
Another common mistake while doing this pose is keeping your knees or legs bent. This can restrict blood flow and you may not gain the benefits of this asana if your legs are bent.
To fix this mistake, remember to contract your thugs while stretching your legs. Focus on stretching your legs as much as possible instead of focusing on lifting it as high as possible.
Safety and Precautions
This is an intermediate yoga pose and should only be practiced by those who are experienced in Yoga. Ensure that you do not feel discomfort in your legs, palms, back, and especially your neck during this asana.
Ensure you have company to help support you while practicing this asana to avoid injuries. Avoid this asana at all costs if you have problems with your neck or back.
FAQs
Who Should Not Do This Asana?
Pregnant women, beginners of Yoga, senior citizens, those with neck and back injuries, and those prone to neck and back sensitivity and disabilities should steer clear from this Asana.
What Do You Do After Locust Pose?
Exhale and release the muscles in your back, arms and legs. Stretch your muscles and ensure that you do not feel any discomfort. Take a few deep breaths and assume the position once again.
Is Locust Pose a Peak Pose?
The Locust Pose is an intermediate level Prone Pose. It is not a peak pose.
The Locust Pose and the Locust Pose Variations are great Asanas to unlock your flexibility, chakras, and of course, reduce your stress levels. Practicing these locust pose variations and half locust pose variations everyday can rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul. It can enhance your quality of life by slowly making various aspects of your mind and body healthier with each passing day.
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