Shashankasana

Description

'Shashanka' in Sanskrit means the moon, that’s why it is called moon pose also.

How to Perform the Stretch

• Sit with your legs folded backward, heels apart, knees and toes together (sit in Vajrasana).
• Adjust your hips between the heels (Vajrasana). Slowly raise your arms over your head.
• While exhaling, slowly bend forward and stretch your palms on the floor with your abdomen pressing against the thighs.
• Then bring your face downwards and touch the floor with your forehead without raising the buttocks. Inhaling slowly, return to an upright position, and then reverse the process.

How to Release the Stretch

To release, slowly return to the normal position of Vajrasana. You may repeat this asana 8 to 10 times.

Benefits

• This asana stretches the rectus muscle of the abdomen and helps improve digestion.
• It also relieves constipation and is beneficial for people with sciatica and hypertension.

Caution

• Do not release the ankles from their position without raising the back.
• Not recommended for people suffering from hip joint pain.

Yoga Asanas

Amila Sulabhasana | Ardha Halasana | Ardha Matsyendrdsana | Ardha Padmasana | Ardha pavanmuktasana | Arohandsana | Bhujangasana | Chakrasana | Dhanurasana | Gomukha-asana | Halasana | Hasta Parshvasana | Hastapaddsana | Katichalana | Katishaktiasana | Makarasana | Mandukasana | Matsyasana | Mayurasana | Naukasana | Navasana | Padahastasana | Padmasana | Pagachalana | parivrtta trikonasana | Parvat Trikonasana | Parvatasana | Paschimottasana | pavan muktasana | Sarvangasana | Setubandh asana | Shalabhasana | Shashankasana | Shavasana | Shirshasana | Siddhasana | Sitting Position for yoga | Skandha katiasana | Sukhasana | Supine Position for yoga | Supta-vajrasana | Surya namaskar | Trikonasana | Uddyiana Bandha | Uttan Tadasana | Uttana padasana | Utthit padmasana | Vajrasana | Viparitakarani mudra | Vrikshasana | Yoga Mudra |