In today’s fast-paced lives, it is impossible to keep ourselves away from stress, strain, and unhealthy eating habits with absolutely no time to relax, unwind, and de-stress, making ourselves prone to so many ailments.
Thanks to yoga and pranayama, two of the excellent ways to relax and rejuvenate, which offer numerous other health benefits that will make you start yoga today!
If you are looking for a way to unwind and ease tension in your body and mind, look no further than Makarasana, the crocodile pose! This simple yet effective yoga posture not only stretches your muscles but also has numerous health benefits. From alleviating stress and fatigue to improving digestion and circulation, Makarasana is a pose that can help you achieve a healthier, happier body and mind.
Here, you will learn about the many health benefits of Makarasana and how to incorporate it into your daily routine.
What is Makarasana?
Makarasana, also called crocodile pose, is a simple yoga posture that helps in the release of tension in the body and the reduction of fatigue induced by other difficult postures in yoga and physical activity.
Its name is a combination of the Sanskrit terms ‘Makar’ (crocodile) and ‘asana’ (pose). The posture is called a crocodile pose because it looks similar to a crocodile with its neck and head above the water.
During this posture, lying on your stomach relieves tension and stress in your stomach and shoulders.
Makarasana also helps in stretching and strengthening the muscles of the buttocks, rear, and legs, as well as the back of the legs and arms.
This pose is often done at the end of the yoga session, as it is great at relieving all the stress and improving body posture.
Makarasana benefits
Some of the benefits of Makarasana pose are as follows:
1. Helps relieve back pain
Makarasana is very helpful for individuals suffering from sciatica, slipped discs, and other types of pain in the lower back.
Holding this posture for extended periods of time may encourage the vertebral column to get back to its normal shape and helps relieve spinal nerve compression.
2. Helps with asthma
The Makarasana pose may allow more air into the lungs. As a result, it may be a good practise for individuals suffering from asthma and other respiratory illnesses. This is an easy asana that focuses on breathing awareness, making it potentially good for asthmatics.
3. Helps in strengthening the body
Makarasana is a one-of-a-kind posture that works the entire body. As a result, it may improve blood circulation to body parts, particularly the fingers and legs. This asana can help with fatigue and overall malaise. Furthermore, this asana is said to boost the levels of energy in the body by producing subtle energies. Thus, Makarasana may play a key role in building physical strength.
4. Helps stimulate the ‘Prana’ (life force)
The Makarasana supports the spine, stimulates the sacrum, increases prana flow throughout the spine, and removes any blockages. The Makarasana pose relaxes the entire muscular system of the body, providing a feeling of control over the mind and body.
As the muscles in the body relax during the crocodile pose, the blood flow throughout the body improves, leading to a reduced demand for oxygen. This results in a calming effect on the circulatory and respiratory systems and slows down the heart rate.
5. Improves digestion
Makarasana is also beneficial for improving digestion.
During Makarasana, the abdomen and lower back experience pressure, while the mind is able to focus on breathing. The combination of these factors has a beneficial impact on digestive strength.
6. Reduces stress
One of the most well-known benefits of Makarasana is its ability to reduce stress and anxiety.
By placing your body in a relaxed and supported position, this pose helps to calm the mind and promote deep relaxation throughout the body. This can be particularly helpful for individuals who suffer from chronic stress or anxiety, as it provides a natural and effective way to release tension and promote a sense of calmness.
How to do Makarasana?
The Makarasana procedure is very simple.
Following are Makarasana steps that you can follow:
- Begin by lying down on your belly with your feet hip-width apart and your toes pointing outward.
- Bring your elbows to the ground and rest your forearms on the ground.
- Place your palms on top of each other and rest your forehead on your hands.
- Relax your entire body, including your legs, back, and shoulders.
- Close your eyes and take deep breaths.
- Stay in this pose for 5–10 minutes or as long as you feel comfortable.
- To come out of the pose, slowly lift your head and bring your palms next to your shoulders, then gently lift yourself up into a seated position.
Who Should Avoid Makarasana?
Makarasana is a beginner-friendly yoga position. It provides relaxation, but if you have discomfort when doing the pose, release it gently and carefully.
Women who are pregnant should avoid this position since it requires lying on their stomachs.
If you have pre-existing issues or concerns with the back, spine, shoulders, or neck, check with your doctor to see if this posture is appropriate for you. In a similar way, if you have recently undergone surgery, speak with a health expert before resuming your yoga practise.
Takeaway
In conclusion, Makarasana, the crocodile pose, is a simple yet powerful yoga posture that offers numerous health benefits. From reducing stress and fatigue to improving digestion and circulation, this pose can help improve both your physical and mental well-being. By incorporating Makarasana into your daily routine, you can relax your body and mind, increase your self-awareness, and enhance your overall health and happiness. So why not give it a try and experience the many benefits of this wonderful yoga pose for yourself?
