Other Names
Bow Posture, Bow pose, Dhanur Asana, Bowposture
Description
This asana actually looks a lot like an archer’s bow when you are in full pose. This is a pose best done after a little warm-up with other poses. It may be difficult for beginners. Bhujangasana, or cobra pose, is a nice pose to start building up the strength required in bow posture.
How to reach the stretch
- Lie down on your stomach.
- Bend your knees and hold the ankles.
- Inhale and pull your hands and push with your legs, knees together, till the trunk forms an arc shape with only the stomach on the ground.
- Look up and remain in the position for a while.
How to release the stretch
- Retain breath and then exhale and lie flat.
- After releasing, lie in shavasan for a while.
Benefits
- It reduces abdominal fat.
- The compressing of the spinal column, pressing the nerves with the scapulae (The winged bones at the back attached to the arms) minimizes blood circulation while in the asan.
- When the pose is released a greater supply of blood is endured to those very regions increasing spinal flexibility and definitely raising the vitality.
- Good for gastrointestinal, constipation, upset stomach, sluggish liver.
Caution
- Not for persons suffering from peptic ulcer, hernia, or cases of thyroid or endocrine gland disorders.
- Do not try to stay in position if you are feeling too much pain.