Makarasana or Crocodile Yoga Pose
What is Makarasana or Crocodile Yoga Pose?
Makarasana or Crocodile Yoga Pose is so called because ‘Makar’ means crocodile and ‘Asana’ means pose. The posture attained resembles that of a crocodile, and hence the name Makarasan.
Makarasana Yoga is done lying on the floor on your belly. It is a relaxing pose and, just like Savasana (Corpse Yoga Pose), is usually done to relax the body after a particularly difficult pose.
Step by step procedure: The Crocodile Pose is relatively simple to perform.
A slight variation: You can bring your right hand on your left shoulder and your left hand on your right shoulder. You can use this double triangle to support your face.
Benefits: Even though it is simple pose, Makarasana (Crocodile Yoga Pose) has many benefits.
Contraindications: There are some conditions when the Makarasana should not be performed.
Makarasana or Crocodile Yoga Pose is so called because ‘Makar’ means crocodile and ‘Asana’ means pose. The posture attained resembles that of a crocodile, and hence the name Makarasan.
Makarasana Yoga is done lying on the floor on your belly. It is a relaxing pose and, just like Savasana (Corpse Yoga Pose), is usually done to relax the body after a particularly difficult pose.
Step by step procedure: The Crocodile Pose is relatively simple to perform.
- Lie down flat on your stomach. (You can spread a mat or blanket on the floor). Your body should be straight. Keep your legs together and extended towards the back. Turn the toes outward and the heels inward.
- Keep your arms straight beside your torso, with the hands touching the thighs.
- Now, bend both your hands from the elbow, and bring them up to cup your face. Use your hands to support your face, with the palms touching the cheeks. Each hand supports the corresponding cheek. Adjust the elbows in such a way that the stretch is spread evenly between the lower back and neck.
- Breathe easily and rhythmically while you do this. If you wish, you can also shut your eyes, for greater relaxation.
- Hold the pose for a few seconds or for a few minutes, till you feel relaxed.
- Release the pose when you start feeling tension in the shoulders or neck muscles.
A slight variation: You can bring your right hand on your left shoulder and your left hand on your right shoulder. You can use this double triangle to support your face.
Benefits: Even though it is simple pose, Makarasana (Crocodile Yoga Pose) has many benefits.
- Since it stretches the shoulders, spine and back muscles, it maintains the flexibility of these areas and is and beneficial for those with sciatica, slipped disc, backache and Spondylitis in the lumbar region. It also helps to prevent scoliosis.
- It gives relief to those who suffer from asthma or other respiratory troubles.
- It massages and stimulates the abdominal region, helps better digestion and cures flatulence.
- It helps to completely relax the body and mind, and relieve fatigue.
- It also helps to relieve disorders of the genito-urinary system.
Contraindications: There are some conditions when the Makarasana should not be performed.
- It should not be practiced by pregnant women in their second and third trimester.
- Those with heart problem and high blood pressure should practice it only after consulting their doctor and a yoga expert.
