Side Splits pose (Samakonasana) and its Benefits?

Side Splits pose (Samakonasana) is the advanced level posture that encourages the deep stretching in our body. Let’s explore about this advance pose that is Side Split Pose also called Samakonasana in sanskrit language. Some of the yoga beginners or the practitioner have face difficulty to perform the advance poses. Here we explain about the what is the Side Split Pose (Samakonasana) with the easiest way to perform this pose. So let’s explore about this soothing pose that helps to stimulates the energy in our body.

What is the Side Split Pose (Samakonasana)

Side Split Pose also known as the Samakonasana. This is the advance deep hip opening  pose that enhances the flexibility and mobility to the hips and groins. It also called as Centre Split Pose, it deep stretched the inner thighs and Higher level pose. Side Splits pose (Samakonasana) stimulates the Root and Heart Chakras. It provide inner stability and strength for personal growth.

Samakonasana, the name of this asana come from the sanskrit phrase, where Sama means, “Straight”, Kona means, “angle” and Asana means, “posture or seat”. In this pose there is full split with legs spread to the sides. The hands is placed to the prayer position to center of the heart.

How to Perform Samakonasana?

The patience and time is probably the key factor to performing properly to this asana. There are many ways to perform this asana.

Here is the step by step guidance to how to perform this pose easily:

1. To start this pose, sit on the floor with your legs are stretched in front of you.
2. Now, slowly open your legs wide apart feet pointed.
3. Extend the back of your knees completely.
4. Join your palm and placed it to the center of your heart in Namaskar Mudra.
5. gaze at the one point to maintain the pose.
6. keep elongating the back and your legs.
7. Hold this pose for a few seconds.
8. Gradually come back by closing your legs and relax.

What is Benefits Side Splits pose (Samakonasana)?

Side Splits pose (Samakonasana) is the challenging pose that involves spreading your legs wide apart while keeping the body in a seated position.

Here are some benefits of  Side Split Pose:

• Improves Flexibility: This asana helps to stretch the hip flexors and inner thighs. It is the great pose to opening the hips and reducing the tightness in the hip muscles. It also stretches the hamstring and improves the flexibility in these areas.
• Stretches the Inner Thighs and Groin: This pose targets the inner thighs, hips and groins. It provides a deep stretch to these areas and enhance the mobility and flexibility.
• Strengthens the Core and Lower Body: To hold this center spilt position, you engage the core, glutes and the quads. This will help to enhance the strength and stability in the lower body.
• Improves Posture: By stretching and strengthening the legs and core, it can improve your overall posture and body alignment. A strong core balance helps support the spine, reducing the risk of back pain.
• Increases Circulation and Blood Flow: While performing this pose it helps to stretching the hips, legs, and lower body improves blood flow to the muscles. It increasing circulation, which can help with muscle recovery.
• Enhances Mental Focus: Achieving the side splits requires both physical flexibility and mental discipline. Holding the pose helps to cultivate focus, patience, and mental focus.
• Promotes Emotional Release: In this pose there is a deep stretch in the body that helps to relieves the tension of the muscles. It calms the nervous system and helps to give a sense of calmness.
• Improves Balance: The stability required to hold the splits improves overall balance. The pose engages muscles of the legs and core, which can help with maintain the balance for ither poses also.

Contraindication of Side Splits pose (Samakonasana):

Always listen to your body, do not push your body hard to perform any asana.

• If there is injury or surgery in the internal organs like hips, knees, spine etc. you should avoid this asana.
• Practitioner should consult yoga teachers if , when having a slip disc or irritation with the sciatic nerve.
• Pregnant women also consult doctor before performing this pose.