Yoga BLOG

Shashankasana: from the rabbit to the headstand The headstand is an exercise that many yoga practitioners aren't able or willing to perform right away. For many people, standing on their head is a challenge at first. A good exercise for you in this context is the rabbit pose. In Shashankasana, you also place your head on the floor, but without placing your entire body weight on it. This is why many beginners quickly feel confident in this exercise. Here you will find all the important information about the asana. The posture of the rabbit Just imagine what it looks like when you suddenly spot a hare or rabbit in a field. These animals often crouch in a hollow, fearing predators, but their ears, as these velvety rodents' ears are called, clearly point upwards. You can easily imitate this pose in Shashankasana. Using your heels, knees, and head, you distribute your body weight across three areas. Clasp your hands behind your body. Depending on how intense a stretch you want, you can either stretch your arms vertically upwards or extend them slightly further above your head. Take Shashankasana The best way to get into the rabbit pose is from Vajrasana, the diamond pose . Another possible starting position is on all fours. You place your head between your hands on the mat or any other surface of your choice. A non-slip surface is important! Position the crown of your head in the middle and take the time to check this position and adjust it if necessary. Only when it feels good do you release your hands and cross them behind your back. Then you stretch your arms and choose the stretch for your shoulders and chest by stretching the arms vertically upwards or a little further back. Stay relaxed in this position for a few breaths and then release. Child's pose is a good opportunity to reflect. Stay here for a while too. What Shashankasana does to your body You'll likely feel the stretch in your shoulders and chest immediately. It's a valuable counterbalance to many professional activities, such as those that require you to spend the entire day hunched over at a computer or carrying heavy loads. Your shoulders will improve their mobility, and your neck will be beneficially strengthened. All of this can help if you frequently suffer from tension or pain in the shoulder and neck area, or from headaches. After a while in Shashankasana, you'll experience a soothing relaxation of your back. Letting go is the principle here, which can be a valuable aid in many yoga exercises. When you consciously breathe into your belly, Shashankasana also gently massages your abdominal organs, which can have a positive effect on your digestion. Energy and relaxation through the rabbit Energetically, Shashankasana affects your brow and crown chakras . This is closely related to the improved blood circulation your head experiences in the rabbit pose. This circulation also affects your mind, for example, by improving your ability to concentrate. The increased blood flow is also a welcome boost for your eyes. Fatigue can also be improved by the increased blood flow. Furthermore, the peaceful rabbit pose also brings you relief from the stress and hectic pace of everyday life, providing you with the calm we all need for our well-being in your very own rabbit hollow. Harmony and balance reappear in Shashankasana! Image © fizkes / 123rf.com