Yoga BLOG

Viparita Salabhasana - with the stretched locust pose for more self-confidence and well-being Viparita Salabhasana (Viparita = inverted, Shalabh = locust, asana = pose) is an asana for advanced practitioners, best performed in the morning or evening, when digestion is at rest and the body's blood vessels are empty. The exercise belongs to the Ashtanga style of yoga and serves to strengthen well-being and self-confidence. Various parts of the body are addressed and trained through the stretched locust pose. Furthermore, the asana can help with digestive and metabolic problems. How to perform the stretched locust asana correctly To prepare, you should practice poses like the Bow Pose (Dhanurasana) and the simple Locust Pose (Salabhasana) and transition into abdominal breathing. Your hands are placed beneath your torso, providing additional support throughout the pose. Viparita Salabhasana is assumed by engaging your lower back, abdominal muscles, and abdomen. Your feet are in the air, in line with your head. Your chin and chest are on the floor, supporting the pose. Assuming the extended Locust Pose requires a relatively high level of strength and is made easier by exhaling gently during the effort. Once you have assumed the basic pose, assume a position that feels good: stretch your feet over your head or even touch the floor in front of your head if your body allows it. The main thing is that you can hold the pose upright and find your balance . Release the pose after a few minutes before it becomes noticeably uncomfortable. To relax after Viparita Salabhasana, you can do the Resting Child's Pose (Balasana) or breathe deeply while resting on your stomach. The pose is not repeated; rather, it is performed once, with some time between other asanas or physical exertion. Take enough time before and after assuming the pose to calm down and breathe consciously. What to pay attention to in Viparita Salabhasana The Stretched Locust Pose is a challenging asana that beginners should only perform under the supervision of an experienced yoga instructor. If you suffer from neck or spine problems, or if you have an arm injury, you should avoid this asana. Viparita Salabhasana stretches the solar plexus and can only be performed properly on an empty stomach. Women who are menstruating or pregnant should also avoid Viparita Salabhasana. If the pose causes neck pain, rest your lips and face on the floor instead of your chin and feel the energy flowing through your body. The pose stretches the back, arms, pelvic area and spine. Heart chakra (Anahata) and throat chakra (Vishuddha) are activated. Strengthens the body and soul. Can help with digestive problems and stimulate the metabolism. The simplified Viparita Salabhasana The extended locust pose is versatile and challenging – assuming it requires a considerable amount of strength. Those who rarely or never do strength training may need help with this step. Holding the pose, however, requires a completely different set of skills. Your sense of balance is challenged, and different muscle groups are used than when assuming Viparita Salabhasana. Some people will find the first part of the asana more difficult, while others may find it more difficult to hold. Beginners can also perform the pose with support or leaning against a wall. This small amount of support makes the active and holding parts of the asana easier without locking the body when performing the extended locust pose. Image © fizkes / 123rf.com