Dhanurasana: Here's why and how you should do it
What's the story
Yoga has several asanas that contribute to a good body and mind. One of them is dhanurasana, which you can practice to strengthen your muscles. It is also called the bow pose as one looks like a bow when performing it. Improving flexibility and posture, it is one of the easiest asanas you can pull off, especially if you are a beginner.
Information
History: This pose has been illustrated in the 19th-century texts
Dhanurasana is an ancient yoga pose and it was illustrated in a 19th-century text of Sritattvanidhi. However, much before that, its origins have been traced to the 15th century in Hatha Yoga Pradipika, which is a Sanskrit manual carrying all possible information about Hatha yoga.
How to do
How to do: Take note of these steps for practice
First, lie down on your belly and keep your legs parallel and distant from each other. Once done, bend your knees and bring your feet up in the air. Hold your ankles with your hands and ensure a firm grip. Stretch your limbs as wide as possible, look up, and hold this pose for a few seconds. Breathe normally as you practice it.
Health benefits
Health benefits: It stimulates reproductive organs and reduces stress
Dhanurasana is one yoga pose that can stimulate your reproductive organs by massaging the ovaries. Additionally, it also tones your arms, legs, shoulders, chest, and back. If you are dealing with stress, anxiety, or fatigue, this pose is a quick fix to feel better. People with renal disorders can also benefit hugely as it massages the kidney and improves its function.
Prerequisites
Prerequisites: Before you practice dhanurasana, be mindful of these things
Before you decide to practice this awesome yoga pose, ensure that you only do it four to five hours after having a meal. Beginners should always start with preparatory poses like bhujangasana (know about it here) to warm up their bodies in advance. Experts believe that the best time to do it is in the morning but you can suit yourself.
Avoid
Who should avoid it: Skip if you underwent abdominal surgeries
While this yoga pose is easy and beneficial, not everyone should do it. People who have undergone abdominal surgeries should always first check with their doctor before practicing it. Refrain if you suffer from back or neck pains often or have been diagnosed with a medical condition that limits the use of two. Blood pressure and hernia patients and pregnant ladies should skip altogether.