Locust Pose - Shalabasana is the Yoga Pose of the Week
Sunday July 15, 2007
I recently got a tip on Locust Pose that improved my understanding of the pose, so I wanted to share. I had always been told to press the tops of the feet into the floor in this pose, and while this is necessary, the true anchor of the pose comes from pressing the pelvis down strongly. This really allows the upper body to rise from the floor. I have to do this with padding under the hips, otherwise it is quite painful on the hip bones and can even cause bruising, so try a blanket under there if you have a similiar issue.
Comments
Thank you for your informative series on yoga asanas. It seems however that this variation of the Salabasana you have described is actually a variation of the Cobra (Bhujangasana).
The principle to bear in mind in the Locust is the strengthening of the lower back by lifting of the legs. Arms are kept below the abdomen, and chin rests on the mat. In its full form, Salabasana resembles a reversed shoulderstand, however few have the strength and flexibility to go all the way.
The Cobra, which you are demonstrating a variant of here, works on the upper back and neck. Even in this variation, with the arms being pulled back, it is important to remember that the gaze should be up and back, so that the neck is arched to maximum. The solar and heart plexus are pushed forward. When done properly, this pose (in the variation you’ve shown as the “Locust”, as well as it’s full form, the King Cobra) provides a stimulation to the adrenal glands, particularly if the heels are made to touch each other.
Breathing is done down the full length of the spine and the back gets a good stretch and strengthening. A supple and strong spine are among the benefits, not to mention the rising of the vital energy with steady practice.
I hope you will find this information useful. Thank you again for providing yoga information for free on the internet.
Om Shanthi,
– Dharma
Ditto on Dharma’s comment — this does not appear to be any locust pose that I am aware of, though certainly various traditions call the asanas by different names.
Nonetheless, thanks for the informative content and photos for the more visually oriented.