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Benefits: This asana massages the abdominal organs alleviat
ing digestive ailments and constipation. It tones the spinal nerves, makes the back flexible and realigns rounded shoulders. The nerves in the neck and the thyroid gland are particularly influenced. The chest is stretched and expanded to full capacity, filling the lungs and bringing more oxygen into the system. It is beneficial for those suffering from asthma, bronchitis and other lung ailments. It loosens up the legs in preparation for sitting in meditation asanas. It enhances creativity and intelligence and redirects sexual energy to the brain for spiritual purposes.
Note: The Sanskrit word supta means 'sleeping' and vajra refers to the nerve and energy pathway which connects the sexual organs to the brain.
Variation: This method is the same as described for the basic form, except that the back of the head, instead of the top, is placed on the floor in the final position.
Join the hands together and place them under the back of the head, or fold the arms comfortably above the head. Try to keep the knees on the ground.
Close the eyes and relax the whole body.
Breathing: Deep and slow in the final position.
BSYO
Benefits: This is an important variation which intensifies the stretch of the abdominal region.
Practice note: The basic form and the variation may be performed one after the other, spending half the time in each pose.
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