Anantasana-1

General Benefits:

Balances the body. Improves concentration. Strengthens the nervous system. Gives a gentle stretch to the hips and wrists. Muscles of the sides of the body are stretched and made flexible. Obesity of the thighs and hips can be reduced and these areas stretched. Hamstrings, inner thigh and abdominal muscles are stretched and relaxed, increasing their health and efficiency. Helps for development of the pelvis.

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Benefits for Women:

Therapeutic Applications:

Lower back pain.

Taking the Position:

In supine position, turn your body onto the left side. Raise your trunk slightly and support the left side of the head with the left hand, elbow on the ground. Place the right hand on the ground, by your chest. Maintain balance in this pose, breathe normally.

Releasing the Positions:

To release the asana, gently lower the trunk back to the floor and turn back to supine position. Now practice on the other side.

Anatomical Focus:

Lower back, neck.

Anatomical Awareness:

On core area and hips.

Do's:

Find a point of focus.

Don'ts:

Let the body fall forward or backwards.

Precautions & Contraindications:

This posture should be avoided in case of slipped disc or cervical spondylitis. In cases of sciatica, guidance of an expert is a must.

Variations & Tips:

If it is difficult to hold the toe then the hand can remain on the ground in front of the chest.

Preparatory Poses:

Makarasana is generally practiced after the practice of asanas from the prone position as it is itself an asana from the prone position. Therefore it is easier to come into if one is already in the prone position.

Follow-up Poses:

Advanced version of Anantasan where the leg is straightened.

Position:

Supine.