Chakrasana

Chakrasana

This asana is so named because the body takes the shape of a circle - or a semi-circle. The asana is very similar to the gymnastic back-bend. The pose is the same, except while doing a back bend, the person is standing and keeps bending further back till his palms rest on the floor while in the Chakrasana, the person is lying down, and slowly lifts his body up.

Perform this asana in the morning or afternoon, not in the evening.

Method

1. Lie down on a mat, on your back.

2. Spread your legs so they are shoulder-length apart.

3. Bend your knees so that your feet are touching your buttocks.
Similarly, bend your elbows so your fingers are touching your shoulders. (Your palms should be inwards, facing your shoulders.)

4. Breathe IN. Slowly, using the force of your hands and legs, push yourself up until your body is fully extended in an inverted U. Feel the blood rush to your head, and your lungs expand and fill up with air.

5. Hold this pose for a few seconds.

6. Breathe OUT and let yourself down slowly.

Benefits

Strengthens the liver, pancreas and kidneys
Strengthens the muscles of the hands and feet
Increases elasticity of the spinal cord
Excellent for the heart, as it causes the aorta to stretch

And, of course, a must-do for diabetes patients!

Don't attempt this asana if:

You have back-problems. As a matter of fact, this is a slightly advanced asana, and it would be best if you perform it initially under the supervision of a yoga guru.

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