ShashankrAsana the Moon pose
This weeks posture is know as the Moon pose. Some schools of yoga call it the Child pose or the Hare pose. The Sanscrit term is Shashankrasana.
Instructions:
Kneel down and sit back on your heels. Bring your forehead onto the mat while leaving your buttocks on your heels (or as close to them as you can manage). Firstly stretch your arms forward palms down on the floor, and stretch out in the hands, arms and back for about 2 breaths. Then bring your arms back alongside your body with your hands beside the feet, palms facing up wards. Relax into this posture for about 1 to 3 minutes.
Benefits:
This posture stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system and gradually slows down the breathing and the heart rate. It turns the awareness inwards and helps one?s mind become more introverted while in the posture. It calms and soothes the body. It is an excellent posture to come into if you cannot sleep at night. After staying in the posture for about 3 to 5 minutes, roll over on your side and go back to sleep.
It also stretches the back muscles and separates the individual vertebrae from each other, releasing pressure on the inter vertebral discs.
It regulates functioning of the adrenal glands and massages the internal organs. Regular practice relieves constipation.
Awareness:
Keep your awareness on the abdominal region and watch how the body is breathing. If you are working with energy levels, keep your awareness on Manipura Chackra.
How do I find out more about Yoga ?
For the latest list of weekend workshops in Astanga, Iyengar or Satyananda Yoga visit www.burrenyoga.com or contact the author of this article.
Author:
Dave Brocklebank who runs the Burren Yoga and Meditation Centre in Kinvara, Co. Galway. 091-637680
Satyananda Yoga Tadhg Ferriter Dave Brocklebank
