The Cobra Pose
- Bhujangasana

This yoga asana is called the cobra pose because in the full position the head and trunk resembles the raised hood of the cobra. In the Sanskrit language bhujanga is the word for ‘cobra’, and thus the Sanskrit name of this yogasana is bhujanga asana.

Effects and Benefits

Bhujangasana is a panacea for the spine. It can be very helpful especially in cases of posterior or posterio-lateral disc herniations. It makes the spine flexible, relieving back pain, lumbago and hyperkyphosis. It can also often be helpful for sciatica.

Its practice tones the nerves and muscles of the heart and also the lungs. By increasing the intra-abdominal pressure, bhujanga asana relieves constipation and stimulates the liver, spleen, pancreas and gallbladder. It also acts beneficially on the kidneys. It helps to normalise thyroid function and tone the adrenal glands.

Thus, this practice is an excellent stimulator of the endocrine system and is very helpful in normalizing metabolic and physiological/hormonal functions.

Some other notable benefits of the cobra pose:

• It is useful in cases of amenorrhea (lack of menses), dysmenorrhea (painful menses), leukorrhea (abnormal discharge), and various other utero-ovarian dysfunctions. It supports efficient blood circulation to the pelvic and genital region, tones the ovaries and uterus and regulates the menstrual cycle. 
• When practised over time, it can also aid in easing childbirth.
• It is also useful in reducing obesity.
• It tones and develops the muscles of the back.
• Increases body heat and stimulates the appetite.
• Psychically, it gives magnanimity, nobleness and kindness and arouses or increases the capacity for loving.

*Remember... Yoga is much more than a group of physical practices.
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