Salabhasana: Locust Pose
ADJUSTMENTS | BENEFITS | SEQUENCING | SANSKRIT | STEPS
Salabhasana (sha-la-BAHS-anna) is an approachable introduction to backbends and an effective way to strengthen the muscles of the back body.
Philosophy + Origin
As a symbol of good luck and abundance in Chinese culture, harnessing the power of the grasshopper or locust encourages us to take chances and leaps of faith. Sometimes associated with astral travel, locusts symbolize the ability to overcome fear and move in the direction of positive change. Grasshoppers also use the power of sound to heal and to change states of consciousness.
ADJUSTMENTS/MODIFICATIONS:
- Press the tops of your feet into the ground to release pressure on the lower back.
- Block: Place a block under your forehead to keep the head elevated and reduce strain on the neck and upper back.
- Lift one leg at a time to test out how the pose feels in your body today.
- Bound locust: Interlace your hands behind your back and press your knuckles toward the back of your mat.
- Grounded locust: Keep your hands on the ground for a kind variation for your shoulders.
STEP-BY-STEP:
- Begin lying on your stomach with your arms extended down by your sides, palms facing up. Allow your forehead to rest naturally on the floor. Press your tailbone toward the ground.
- On an inhale, lift your head, chest, and arms off the floor.
- On an exhale, lift your legs off the ground.
- Gaze down, so the front and back of your neck are the same length. Roll your shoulder blades onto your back. reach back through your fingertips and toes.
- Feel your inner thighs lift your legs off the ground. Drop your tailbone toward the ground (it will try to lift up).
- Hold for up to 10 breaths, then release to belly-down savasana.
PREPARATORY POSES:
- Cobra pose | Bhujangasana
- Half standing forward bend | Ardha uttanasana
- Upward facing dog | Urdhva mukha svanasana
SEQUENTIAL POSES:
- Floor bow | Dhanurasana
- Camel pose | Ustrasana
- Bridge pose | Setu bandha sarvangasana
COUNTER POSES:
- Sphinx | Salamba bhujangasana
- Resting half floor frog | Vishraam ardha bhekasana
SANSKRIT:
- Salabha = Locust, grasshopper
- Asana = Pose
PHYSICAL BENEFITS:
- Strengthens muscles of the back, arms, and legs.
- Stretches muscles of the chest, shoulders, and abdomen.
- Counters tech posture.
ENERGETIC BENEFITS:
- Increases the flow of energy in the body.
- Helps overcome negative thought patterns and obstacles.
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Ardha Hanumanasana: Half Front Splits Pose
ADJUSTMENTS | BENEFITS | SEQUENCING | SANSKRIT | STEPS
Ardha hanumanasana (are-dah hah-new-mahn-AHS-ah-nah) is a big stretch for hamstrings. This pose is more approachable than full hanumanasana and strengthens the muscles needed to practice front splits safely with the correct muscles properly engaged.
Philosophy + Origin
One of the main characters of the Ramayana is Hanuman, the famous monkey god, devotee of Lord Rama, and son of Vayu (the god of wind). He is celebrated in the pose hanumanasana, which physically represents his famous “leap of faith,” taking him across the ocean from India to Sri Lanka. Ardha hanumanasana, the preparatory pose for hanumanasana, can represent the stability and strength needed to make grand, world-changing (or life-changing) gestures. Rather than only focusing on gaining flexibility, practice ardha hanumanasana to create a healthy balance of flexibility and strength. When practicing ardha hanumanasana, remind yourself of the dangers of only being flexible in life; in order to really get where you want to go, you must also be strong and stable.
