Locust Pose is the deep back bending pose. There are many postures or asana in yoga that helps to influence the physical flexibility and strengthen the core. They range from simple seated to complex challenging postures. Yoga poses are often sequenced in a way that flow smoothly from one to another. Some of the poses are specific back bending postures like the Locust pose also called as the Shalabhasana in sanskrit words. This is the best pose to encourages the balance, strength, and flexibility in the body and also the mental harmony. Let’s explore about the Locust pose and benefits of Locust Pose in this upcoming blog.
What is Locust Pose (Shalabhasana)?
Locust pose also known as the Shalabhasana. It is the prone back bending yoga asana. This asana symbolizes the union of physical and mental harmony. In Shalabhasana, the practitioner lifts their chest and leg off the ground and feel the sensation of light and freedom. Locust Pose can bring balance, strength, and energy to the body, while enhancing the mental focus needed to practice the pose.
Shalabhasana, come from the Sanskrit phrase where, Shalabh means,” locust or grasshopper” and Asana means, “pose”. The body in the extended torso and stretched hands make this pose looks like to locust resting on the field, so the name is locust pose. It is the powerful and prone back bending asana.
How to Perform Shalabhasana?
Locust Pose helps to strengthen the spine, legs, and core while improving posture and stimulating the digestive system. Locust Pose is the beginners back bend asana. It helps the beginner yogi to improves their back bending asana.
Here is the Steps of Locust Pose:
Step 1. Lie flat on the stomach with your legs extended straight behind you.
Step 2. Keep your arms on the side of your body.
Step 3. Your Palms touching the floor and your head resting on the floor.
Step 4. Now, breath gently by lifting your head, chest and legs together from the floor.
Step 5. Then, straight your limbs as much as possible.
Step 6. Contract your buttock while stretching your thigh muscles. Touch at the knees, thigh, and ankles. Your both legs are fully extended.
Step 7. Fix your gaze to maintain the balance. Your chin should remain parallel to the floor.
Step 8. Focus on deep, steady breaths. Inhale as you lengthen the body upward, and exhale as you settle into the stretch.
Step 9. Hold this pose as per your comfort level by holding the balance of the body.
Step 10. Then, gradually release the posture and relax.
These are the simple steps of practice the Locust Pose (Shalabhasana). When you practice this pose, it will gives you the numerous physical and mental benefits that are mentioned below.
What are the Benefits of Locust Pose (shalabhasana)?
This pose invites both physical challenge and a meditative quality when it holds with awareness.
Here are the detailed explanation about the benefits of the Locust Pose (shalabhasana):
- Strengthens the Spine: This Locust Pose or Shalabhasana works on the back muscles. It stretches the spine and enhance the flexibility to the spine, muscles. It will help to improves the posture and reduce the slouching of the back.
- Enhances Flexibility: It opens up the chest, shoulders, and hip flexors. It engages the gluteal and hamstring muscles, which helps to tone and firm the buttocks and thighs. It will enhance the flexibility and mobility.
- Stimulates the Digestive System: By pressing the stomach into the floor, this pose can stimulate the digestive organs and improve circulation in the abdominal region. Locust Pose will help to improve the digestion process.
- Improves Posture: Regular practice of this Shalabhasana , help to strengthens the muscles that support proper posture and can help relieve lower back discomfort.
- Strengthens Core and Glutes: Lifting the legs requires core engagement and helps tone the glutes and thighs.
- Better Blood Circulation: Raising the leg helps the blood flow toward the pelvic area. Locust Pose enhances the reproductive cell. The horizontal position of this pose allows the better blood circulation throughout the body.
- Relieves Stress and Tension: This Locust Pose can have a calming effect on the nervous system when you practiced with focused breathing. The activation of the back and core muscles can release tension stored in the body. It will helpful to reduce the stress in the mind.
There are some precautions of Locust Pose or Shalabhasana:
- Avoid this pose if you have severe back or neck pain, herniated discs, or recent abdominal surgery.
- People with high blood pressure, heart conditions, should consult a doctor before attempting backbends.
Summary
Up to this point, we have discussed the procedure and benefits of the Shalabhasana or Locust Pose. If you included this pose in your yoga routine, it will boost your yoga journey.
