Makarasana allows the practitioners to stretch and relieve their body after an intense yoga practice. This posture also helps in reducing stress.
Etymology of Makarasana
The term Makarasana comprises two Sanskrit words: ‘Makar’ which means Crocodile and ‘Asana’ which means posture. The asana is known by this name as while practicing, the practitioner’s body assumes the shape of a crocodile with a raised head.
Steps for performing Makarasana
1. Lie on the floor with your face down. The legs must remain straight and hands resting beside the thighs.
2. Gently bring your hands above the shoulder and join the elbows together with palms facing the sky. Lift the chest and the head up. Support your head by keeping the chin on your palms. The legs must be kept together.
3. Breath in. Fold the legs one by one so that the ankles touch the sitting bones.
4. Breath out while bringing your legs down, thus keeping them straight.
5. Repeat the last two steps for five minutes or 20-25 times.
Precaution for beginners/ practitioners
1. Avoid practicing this posture if you are suffering from a serious neck or back injury, have a serious neck problem or have undergone any type of neck or back surgery recently.
2. People having common neck problems or who feel pain while moving their neck may simply keep the head placed on the ground or can put a blanket under the head.
Benefits of practicing Makarasana
1. Helps in curing all backbone related disorders.
2. Provides relief in knee pain, diseases related to respiratory system, slip disc, sciatica, cervical and spondylitis.
3. Provides a good stretch to the hip and leg muscles.