‘Makar’ is a Sanskrit word meaning ‘crocodile’, and ‘Makar Asana’ implies taking the pose of a crocodile. It is the resting pose of a crocodile where it keeps the face and neck above the ocean or water.
This asana is gaining popularity for it stretches your body spherically. It stretches and works out various parts of the body like the legs, buttocks, the rear and back portion of your legs and arms.
The best part about Makar Asana is that it improves posture and reduces stress. You may practice Makar Asana after practicing other asanas for it unleashes strain. Let us have a glimpse at its steps.
Steps to do Makarasana
To do this asana, you need to follow the steps below:
- Lie on your stomach
- Join the elbows while making one stand on another and place the palms beneath the chin
- now you should lift the chest
- Bring the legs and elbows together
- Fold both legs together while inhaling slowly
- Let the ankles to touch your hips when folding the legs
- When exhaling, your head must be steady while the feet straight
- Repeat the pose at least 20 times
For those who have a serious knee injury or pain in the back, they must refrain from practicing Makarasana. It is better to consult with a yoga expert before doing yoga asanas.
Benefits of Makarasana
- Makarasana is best for relieving backache. If the muscles are taut, you can practice it. The asana is relaxing and perfect for those having shoulder and back problems. Always end your yoga session with Makar Asana for it relieves strain.
- Makarasana can wonderfully cure pain in the knee, and curb asthma for it improves breathing and also avoids lung problems.
- It is best for the ones having slip discs, sciatica and other shoulder and back issues
- The asana is energizing and relaxes you completely. It relieves tension relating to body and mind.
- Makar asana curbs heart diseases, high blood pressure and can cure mental disorders
- It lets you breathe efficiently, slowly and prevents anxiety
- Tight knots in the body seem to become flexible with the regular practice of Makar Asana
- If you are suffering from constipation or digestion problems, then you should practice Makarasana
The asana relieves stress, tension and anxiety for what can be better than the resting pose. Makar Asana reflects the resting pose of a crocodile looking above the waters.
Precautions
Avoid practicing Makar Asana if you are suffering from a back injury, neck injury or a deep psychological problem. Use a blanket around the neck to support the neck. You can also use the hands for support in case you have difficulty maintaining the pose. Bhujangasana can be the preparatory pose.
If you have spondylitis, slip disc or any spine-related problem, then the asana is beneficial. It makes you more alert and improves overall health and well being. By relieving tight knots, it makes the body flexible and tension free.