Shalabhasana – Locust Pose

Introduction

In Sanskrit, Shalabha means ‘Locust’. While practicing this asana, the body looks like a locust. Hence, the name Shalabhasana.

How to perform Shalabhasana?

1. Lie flat on your stomach on your yoga mat.

2. Rest your chin on the yoga mat.

3. Keep your toes in contact with each other and touching the yoga mat.

4. Place your hands below your inner thigh.

5. Inhale and Lift your head. At the same time, raise the legs in the air with the strength of your arms.

6. Rest your body on the abdomen.

7. Hold on to the position for 5 seconds and then bring the legs down on the mat.

Duration of Shalabhasana

Shalabhasana should ideally be done 6-7 times in set and each time, it should be performed for 5 to 10 seconds.

You should not exert extra pressure while practising Shalabhasana. Only do for the period in which you are comfortable. Increase the time slowly with practice.

Benefits of Shalabhasana

1. It strengthens the abdomen and the back.

2. Helpful to tone the muscles of abdomen, thigh and legs.

3. This asana burns fat surrounding the liver, pancreas, kidneys, etc. (Visceral fat)

4. It cures the sluggishness of liver and hunchback.

5. The asana removes lumbago and dyspepsia.

6. Helpful to clear the intestines of the accumulated decaying faecal matter.

7. It improves your appetite.

Who should avoid practicing Shalabhasana?

1. Pregnant women

2. People recovering from abdominal surgery.

---