Debosmita Ghosh • 06 Aug 2024
Natarajasana: Health Benefits Of The Dancer Pose, How To Do It
Health Benefits Of Natarajasana And How To Do It
The word yoga means to connect or unite. To connect with the self or divine self or your soul. There are eight different parts of yoga which include yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana and samadhi. When you perform all of these, it helps you to achieve enlightenment. Yoga asanas and pranayama can help to cure several health conditions and manage their symptoms.
There are different yoga asanas and each of them has its own benefits. One of them is Natarajasana. Also known as Dancer Pose, it stretches the thighs, shoulder, abdomen and inguinal region which can help to strengthen the ankles and legs. The name, Natarajasana, is derived from the Sanskrit words ‘Nata’ which means ‘Dance’, ‘Raj’ which means ‘King’ and ‘Asana’ which means ‘Posture’. It is believed that this pose is based on Lord Shiva’s Nataraja avatar. When you perform this yoga pose, your body looks similar to that of Lord Shiva’s Nataraja avatar and hence it is known as Natarajasana. This asana is known to have several health benefits.
But first, take a look at how to perform the pose correctly.
- Stand with your feet together and keep your eyes focused at a point that is at your eye level.
- Then, bend your right knee and start to lift your right heel toward your buttocks.
- Then, hold your right ankle with your right hand and move the weight of your body on the left foot.
- Extend your left arm towards the sky.
- Then start to bend at your waist and lean forward until your left arm aligns with your right leg in the air.
- You can then lift your right leg as far up as you can and try to hold this pose for 3 to 5 deep breaths.
- Then, put your right leg and left arms down and relax.
Health Benefits Of Natarajasana
Improves Balance and Stability
This pose needs you to maintain balance on one leg which helps to strengthen and stabilize muscles in the ankles, legs and core. This eventually helps to improve overall stability and coordination.
Improves Flexibility
This pose helps to stretch the chest, shoulders, thighs and groin, thereby, increasing flexibility in these areas. It is also beneficial for the hip flexors and the spine.
Strengthens Legs and Ankles
By standing on one leg and extending the other, this pose helps to engage the muscles in the standing leg, thereby, building strength in the calves, quadriceps and ankles.
Opens the Chest and Shoulders
The bend that you perform in this pose helps to stretch the chest and shoulders, thereby, improving posture and counteracting the effects of sitting or hunching over.
Helps in Circulation
The pose improves blood flow to various parts of the body. This includes the heart and lungs, which can improve cardiovascular health and increase energy levels.
Reduces Stress and Anxiety
This pose requires you to focus and concentrate which can help calm the mind and reduce stress. It also helps to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety.
Improves Digestion
The stretch and twist in the torso can help to stimulate the abdominal organs, thereby, helping in digestion and alleviating digestive issues such as constipation and bloating.
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