Bhujangasana: Cobra Pose

January 2, 2019

3 min read

Bhujangasana (boo-jang-GAHS-anna) is a great way to stretch the chest and shoulders, and is often practiced as part of a transition back to downward-facing dog in vinyasa yoga. Practicing cobra pose regularly can improve your lung capacity, reduce stress, and stimulate many of the internal organs in your body.

Philosophy + Origin

Although often perceived as evil or dangerous, snakes also have a rich history of power and worship. In some yoga traditions, the energy of Kundalini in represented by a serpent resting coiled at the base of the spine. By awakening this snake, we enliven our body’s energy and create a pathway towards enlightenment. This connection with enlightenment is also seen in many portrayals of the Buddha where he is shown with a cobra over his head.

ADJUSTMENTS/MODIFICATIONS:

Option to swap cobra pose for sphinx pose by placing your forearms on the floor.
Lengthen the back of the neck to avoid straining the neck and upper back.
If you experience discomfort in the lower back, bend the elbows more.

STEP-BY-STEP:

Lie on the floor on your belly. Extend your legs behind you with the tops of your feet on the floor. Place your hands palm down on the floor a couple inches away from your shoulders. Squeeze your elbows towards your body rather than letting them splay out to the sides.
Press firmly down through the tops of your feet and your thighs. Draw your tailbone toward the ground.
On an inhale, reach your chest forward and up. Draw your shoulders away from your ears.
Stay here or press into your palms and begin to straighten your elbows. Keep your legs engaged as you lift your chest forward and up.
Stay in the pose for up to 30 seconds.
To release, lower your body as you exhale and rest on the floor.

PREPARATORY POSES:

Bridge pose | Setu bandha sarvangasana
Sphinx pose | Salamba bhujangasana

SEQUENTIAL POSES:

Upward-facing dog | Urdhva mukha svanasana
Upward-facing bow pose | Urdhva dhanurasana
Camel pose | Ustrasana

COUNTER POSES:

Downward-facing dog | Adho mukha svanasana
Childs pose | Balasana
Half pigeon pose | Eka pada rajakapotasana

SANSKRIT:

Bhujanga = snake
Asana = pose

PHYSICAL BENEFITS:

Strengthens arms and muscles of the back.
Increases flexibility in the spine.
Stretches chest, shoulders, lungs, and abdomen.
Stretches and massages internal organs.
Firms buttocks.

ENERGETIC BENEFITS:

Relieves stress and fatigue.
Awakens kundalini.
Opens heart and throat chakras.

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