SHASHANK ASANA OR MOON POSE

Shashank is Sanskrit word for moon. Hence this is Asana of the moon. Various moods of the mind are linked to the moon and this Asana is said to benefit both the mind and the body. Another meaning of Shashank is hare hence it is also called the hare pose. It is the opposite of Ushtr Asana. Preferably these two Asanas may be done one after the other to give a complete body movement and get maximum benefits.

TECHNIQUE

Sit down in the Vajra Asana.

Keep the waist and the neck straight and erect.

Begin to inhale slowly and raise both arms together over the head as much as possible.

Shashank Asana

Keep the arms close to your ears.

Make sure that you are sitting in a comfortable position otherwise you will not be able to complete the Asana successfully.

Exhale and slowly stretch the hands and bend forwards with your buttocks firmly in position.

Relax your arms as much as possible and let the elbows rest on the floor.

Your forehead must touch the ground but initially it may not be possible.

Breathe normally and remain in this position as long as possible.

Stretch the arms and return slowly to the Vajra Asana.

This Asana can be beneficially performed by individuals of all age groups.

You can do it even when you are extremely tired. It will give you lots of energy.

As soon as you get up from the bed, do this Asana and it will invigorate you

BENEFITS

This Asana provide rest and relaxation to the body.

Spine is one of the most important parts of our body which is always put to severe strain. In this Asana, you bring the spine parallel to the earth hence it gets complete rest.

In the process of doing this Asana liver, spleen and stomach are massaged and toned.

For asthma patients, this Asana is highly beneficial.

This Asana increases the capacity to draw in breath from the abdomen.

This Asana is most effective in alleviating anger and emotional disturbance.

This Asana brings equilibrium to your personality.

During this Asana your head bends forward which assures better flow of blood to the brain. As a result, the memory and concentration power are greatly improved.

During high stress and mental exhaustion this asana can be of immense benefit.

Sinus patients get immediate relief by practicing this Asana.

This Asana is also extremely beneficial for people suffering from headache and sinus congestion.