Sasankasana - The Hare Pose
"Sasanka" means 'hare' in Sanskrit. The final body posture in this asana looks like a leaping hare.
- Assume Vajrasana.
- The knees should be together on the ground.
- The body should be resting on the heels.
- The soles of the feet should be turned outwards.
- Inhale slowly and raise both your arms straight above your head.
- Turn the palms outward and ensure that the inside of the arms is touching the ears.
- Lean back as much as you can.
- Exhale and gradually bend the trunk and pelvis forward. While doing this the inside of the arms should keep touching the ears and you should remain seated at all times.
- Keep bringing your head and arms down until the arms touch the floor.
- Move the palms forward along the floor to the maximum limit.
- The palms should be together and abdomen should be pressing on the thighs.
- Hold your breath and maintain this posture as long as you comfortably can.
- Inhale and return to the starting posture in the reverse order, keeping the inside of the arms touching the ears and remaining seated.
- Sasankasana helps get a toned abdomen.
- The upper back, shoulders and arms are stretched.
- The yoga pose can relieve spinal problems.
- Slipped disc can be cured with practice of this yoga pose.
- Knees and ankles attain strength.
- Drooping shoulders can be treated thereby correcting one's posture.