Salabhasana (Locust pose)
Salabha means locust, or moth. This posture, when fully assumed, resembles a locust, so it is known as Salabhasana.
Position:
Lie down on the stomach. Stretch the legs straight out behind. Place the palms under the thighs, facing upwards. Rest the chin to the ground.
Process:
While inhaling, raise the right leg off the ground. Lift it as high as possible up to about 45 degrees without bending at the knee. Hold it 8 to 10 seconds in a straight line. While exhaling, lower it gradually. Repeat with the other leg. While inhaling, raise both legs off the ground as high as possible up to about 45 degrees without bending the knees. Retain the pose for a few seconds. While exhaling, bring the feet down slowly and gently. Keep the legs together during lifting and lowering. Salabhasana tones up the lower half of the body and Bhujangasana the upper half of the body.
Time:
Thirty seconds up to three minutes.
Benefits:
This asana tones up the stomach, chest and neck. It removes sluggishness of the abdomen, stomach, bowel, liver, spleen, pancreas and brain. It rids one of flatulence and strengthens the vertebral column by supplying abundant blood to it. It is very helpful to remove leg pain and sciatica.