What Is Chakrasana?
Also known as Urdva Dhanurasana, Chakrasana is one of the best back-bending yoga asanas performed to strengthen the back and increase the elasticity of the spine. The name originated from the Sanskrit word "chakra," which means "wheel," and asana, which means "posture."
Chakrasana Benefits
Chakrasana yoga benefits various body parts and should be practised by everyone. This asana:
- Reduces stress and tension
- Strengthen the back & increase spine flexibility
- Strengthen the arms, shoulders, legs, and abdomen muscles
- Reduces cramps and rectifies menstrual problems in women
- Opens the chest and helps the lungs to get more oxygen
- Sharpens the eyesight
- Enhances blood circulation
- Stimulates the process of the liver, spleen, and kidneys
- Improves mental health
- Builds stamina
- Improves cardiovascular health
Chakrasana Benefits for Weight Loss
In addition to its various benefits, Chakrasana is also advantageous for weight loss. This asana induces the endocrine glands and maintains the metabolism. It reduces the fat around the abdomen area and improves the overall digestive and reproductive organs process.
Chakrasana Benefits for Height Increase
While height depends on age and a lot of genetic and non-genetic factors, regular practice of chakrasana might be beneficial for height increase. The asana increases the spinal cord elasticity, making the body highly pliable. It opens the chest, shoulders, and hips that improve the sitting posture.
Chakrasana Benefits for Hair
Chakrasana stimulates overall blood circulation in the body that ultimately promotes hair growth.
Also Read: 5 Simple Yoga Exercises to Stop Snoring
Kati Chakrasana Benefits
Kati Chakrasana is a waist rotation pose. This asana has various advantages when practised regularly. Some benefits of Kati chakrasana are that it:
- Improves flexibility and strengthens the spine and waist
- Strengthen neck, shoulder, waist, back, and hips
- Strengthen abdominal muscles
- Helps to improve digestive health
- Reduces lower back pain
- Helps to maintain cardiovascular health
- Improves blood circulation
- Helps to eliminate lethargy
- Reduces belly fat
Ardha Chakrasana Benefits
Ardha Chakrasana, also known as Half Wheel Pose, has physical advantages that help the body and mind prepare for deeper backbends. Ardha Chakrasana:
- Stimulates the pancreas and lowers blood sugar levels
- Increases lung capacity
- Lowers stomach and belly fat
- Allows spine and back muscles to be more flexible
- Tones arms, thighs, waist, and shoulders
- Relieves neck, shoulder, and back pain
- Treats respiratory problems
- Stimulates the organs of the abdomen
- Beneficial to heart health
- Helps to keep blood pressure in check
- Stretches stomach, intestines, and abdomen
- Is effective in the treatment of menstrual irregularities
Chakrasana Steps – How to Do Chakrasana
- Start by lying down on a yoga mat comfortably. Bend your knees and keep the feet planted on the mat, closer to your bottom.
- Now take your hands behind your shoulders. Keep them near your ears while splaying out your fingers.
- Slowly prop your lower body up, taking support from your legs. Do this slowly; try not to give a jerk.
- Now press your feet and palms and raise your body upwards, forming an upward bow.
- Gently breathe and try to stay in the same position before lowering your back to the ground.
- Stay on the mat for a few minutes before going for the next round. Don't try to get up immediately.
Precautions to Take While Doing the Chakrasana
When performing Chakrasana, consider the following precautions:
- This is advanced-level yoga, so avoid it if you are not ready or comfortable with it.
- Do not perform Chakrasana on your own. Before attempting Chakrasana, begin with simple backward bending asanas.
- Inhale deeply and slowly as you raise your body, then slowly exhale as you lower it. It is crucial to maintain your body's relaxation.
- If your lower back hurts or hurts as a result of an extension, try to get out of the pose.
- If you have a headache or high blood pressure, you should not attempt this pose.
- Do this asana according to your body's needs, and if you get shoulder impingement, stop doing it.
- If you have wrist pain or are suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome, you should avoid this yoga.
- This asana should not be done by women who are pregnant.
