Cobra Asana And Its Health Effects

Cobra asana and its health effects

Bhujangasana , or cobra-asana, derives, as its name implies, from the cobra snake and the position in which the snake prepares to attack. In India, the cobra is also considered a sacred animal as it represents the power and cunning characteristic of snakes.

Yoga is based on the theory and practice of Hinduism and in this culture animals form an important part of the world as a whole. Yoga asanas are used to seek a balance between worldliness and spirituality, and it is for this reason that in addition to orthodox technique, the ability to focus on oneself is equally essential in yoga .

The aforementioned sun salutation is an integral part of Hatha Yoga, i.e. dynamic yoga. Sun salutation is an exercise based on strong movements, the purpose of which is to bring energy to the body. During this exercise, the cobra asana acts as a so-called transition movement between two different asanas.

The cobra is also known as an upward-looking dog; these names mean exactly the same thing in yoga. No matter how far you have progressed in yoga, this asana is sure to come across in a variety of exercises. The cobra asana is perfect for both beginners and more experienced yoga practitioners as it helps to effectively release tension states in the back muscles.

The health benefits of cobra asana are especially evident in the improvement of back position. In addition, the cobra not only strengthens the back, but the posture also moves other muscles in the body.

Read below to learn more about how to perform the cobra asana correctly and what benefits it will bring to your health and well-being.

How to make a cobra asana?

Always start your yoga exercises first by relaxing on your back with a yoga mat. The cobra asana is quite simple to perform, just follow the steps below:

• First of all, settle for a yoga mat on your stomach. Try to keep your body as relaxed as possible.
• Let your forehead rest on the mat and keep your legs straight. Keep your knees in place and your feet firmly on the floor.
• Let your hands rest your palms facing your hips.
• Take a deep breath and press your palms onto the mat on both sides of your chest. At the same time, open your fingers to keep your body movement as stable as possible.
• With a new breath, lift your upper body all the way to the pubic bone from the mat with the power of your hands. Keep the position stable with the weight of your palms and feet attached to the mat.
• Tense the diaphragm, buttocks and thigh muscles to maintain balance. This also helps prevent body vibration while maintaining posture.
• Take a deep breath and look up towards the ceiling.
• Hold the position for about 20 seconds. Always inhale in a controlled manner and slowly deep in and out.
• Then bend your elbows and land on your hands back on the mat. Let your body rest.
• Finally, return to the starting position on your back, take a deep breath in and out and Relax.

Health Benefits of Cobra Asana

Cobra asana has numerous health benefits:

Strengthens skeletal well-being

The cobra asana especially improves the mobility of the spine, as the stretching of the movement releases the tension states of the vertebrae and strengthens the muscles of the lower back. The spine is the carrier and support of our body and that is why the cobra acts as an excellent back stretching movement.

Increases muscle mass

Cobra improves both upper body flexibility and strengthens back muscles and helps reduce stress on the neck and shoulders.

Stress, poor posture, or muscle tension can make your back stiff. The cobra movement strikes deep into these very muscles and helps release stress and muscle tension, allowing thoughts to be taken away from back pain and other jams.

Improves blood circulation

Cobra helps to create pressure specifically in the blood vessels of the pelvis and cervix, which improves blood circulation in these areas, while also stimulating the nerve fibers in the uterus and pelvis.

Strengthens kidney and lung function

The cobra strengthens the function of the kidneys and their endocrine glands, or adrenal glands, because the tension in the pelvic floor muscles performed in this asana helps the kidneys to work without any problems. In addition, the pressure on the back and buttocks also strengthens the pelvic muscles .

In this asana, stretching has a deep effect, as during movement the entire capacity of the lungs is effectively utilized in both inhalation and exhalation. In addition, the cobra helps relieve stress, leaving you to relax and enjoy a yoga class!

Please note

We do not recommend this position for people with the following health problems:

• Back injuries
• Headache
• Carpal tunnel syndrome

Cobra asana is also not recommended for pregnant women. 

All in all, cobra helps to strengthen both muscles and improve mental health. With this yoga position, you will also gain more vitality and improve the overall well-being of your body.