Debosmita Ghosh • 18 Jul 2024
Makarasana: Health Benefits Of The Crocodile Pose, How To Do It
Health Benefits Of Makarasana 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 Makarasana. Also known as the Crocodile Pose, this pose helps to relax the entire nervous system. It is also an excellent posture you can do between asanas that help to strengthen the back. The name Makarasana is derived from the Sanskrit words “Makara” which means “crocodile” and “asana” which means “posture”. The pose also has several other health benefits.
But first, take a look at how to perform the pose correctly.
- Start by lying on your stomach.
- Raise your head along with your shoulders.
- Then, fold your arms by placing the right arm above the left arm while keeping the elbow pointed.
- Your left palm should be kept on the ground and the right palm on the left arm.
- Make sure your fingers touch the inside of the elbow.
- Place your head at the centre where you have placed the right wrist above the left wrist.
- Now close your eyes and relax your body and mind.
Health Benefits Of Makarasana
Helps to Reduce Stress
Makarasana is a restorative yoga pose that helps to reduce stress and anxiety. When you lie on your belly with your arms under the head, it helps in deep and mindful breathing which eventually helps to activate the parasympathetic nervous system. This eventually helps you relax and reduce your cortisol levels.
Helps to Align the Spine
This pose is good for realigning the spine and reducing back pain. This pose gives you a gentle stretch which helps to decompress the vertebrae, thereby, relieving pressure on the spinal discs and improving spinal health. This pose is beneficial for people who suffer from chronic back pain or stiffness.
Benefits your Respiratory Health
When you practice Makarasana, it helps to improve your respiratory health. It helps to open up your chest which allows for lung expansion. This eventually can improve your breathing. This pose can be beneficial for people with asthma or other respiratory issues.
Helps in Muscle Relaxation
This pose also targets the muscles in the back, shoulders and neck, thereby helping in relaxation and reducing tension. The pose helps to release any built-up stress and reduce pain and discomfort.
Helps to Improve Digestion
The pressure exerted on the abdomen can help to stimulate the digestive organs and improve digestion. It can also help in relieving constipation, bloating and other digestive problems by helping in the movement of food through the digestive tract.
Helps to Improve Circulation
When you are in the lying position, this pose helps to improve blood flow throughout the body. This circulation can help in delivering more oxygen and nutrients to different tissues and organs, thereby, improving overall health.
Helps you Achieve Mental Clarity
The meditative part of this pose can help to increase your mental clarity and concentration. It also helps in calming the mind, reducing mental fatigue and improving your cognitive function.