| The Cobra pose is usually known as Bhujangasana in | | | | remove the hands off the floor for a second so that |
| Eastern countries like India. "Bhujanga" means cobra in | | | | the body will adjust to a height which is safe as well |
| the Sanskrit language and hence the name which is | | | | as comfortable. |
| widely accepted in the West. | | | | The pose is highly beneficial for the lower back as it |
| The Cobra pose is greatly effective as it can relieve | | | | results in enhanced flexibility of the back. This is mainly |
| certain types of lower back aches as over time it | | | | because of the powerful backward stretch allowed by |
| strengthens the lower back. | | | | the Cobra pose. Spinal nerves are rejuvenated and |
| In the pose or the Bhujangasana the body faces | | | | strengthened by the regular practice of these types of |
| downwards where as the upper body is curled | | | | positions. This posture is especially recommended for |
| upwards. This allows the body to resemble a cobra | | | | women as it relieves them from some menstrual |
| which is ready to strike with its head raised. The cobra | | | | problems as well as effectively tones the uterus as |
| pose is usually the first to be practised in the series of | | | | well as the ovaries. It also helps in achieving firm and |
| backward bending poses which is usually followed by | | | | strong buttocks. The traditional Indian texts are of the |
| asanas like the Locust pose and bow postures. | | | | opinion that the pose increases internal heat of the |
| The warm up of the muscles of the back is a must | | | | body which boosts the immunity and fights diseases. |
| before a fully fledged performance of the yoga cobra | | | | They are also of the opinion that it is a helpful pose to |
| pose as it requires powerful movement of the back | | | | awaken the kundalini. |
| bone muscles. The Cobra pose if practised without | | | | People who have an injured back should not perform |
| proper warm up, like any yoga pose or physical | | | | the yoga cobra pose. The cobra pose should be |
| exercise, may result in strained muscles. | | | | avoided by pregnant ladies as well. Also, the patients |
| While performing it one should exercise caution not to | | | | of hernia should not perform this pose, as it can |
| push the physical limitations of one and one should only | | | | aggravate the suffering. It is best to get instruction |
| extend to the limit which is comfortable for oneself | | | | from a qualified instructor either in a class or from |
| without straining one's back. One of the tips to check if | | | | good yoga DVDs. |
| one is performing within the limits of ones strength is to | | | | |