The lunging back crescent moon pose is an asana in modern-day yoga which is believed to have mythological meaning in Hindu Philosophy. This is also a part of the Surya namaskar but in a slightly different way. Anjaneya is a matronymic for Hanuman in the Hindu religion whose mother was named Anjani. This asana was originated from the lunge where the knees back are on the ground. Here the hands are on the back fully stretched as much as possible and the body is bent. The other leg is on the back with the foot lying on the ground. Hands that are above the head are joined in the position of namaskar.
This pose is highly beneficial in many ways which we shall learn as we go along and is also comparatively easy to perform. This increases the body’s flexibility also and is very interesting to perform. An absolute beginner’s yoga that mainly aims at working on the groins, iliopsoas of the back legs, quadriceps. The best yoga poses for calmness helps in releasing stress and anxiety. In this article, we shall learn more about the low lung pose and its benefits and what are the steps which must be kept in mind to perform yoga safely. Many best yoga school in Rishikesh teach this yoga pose in their 200 hour yoga teacher training course in Rishikesh
Benefits of low Lung Pose/ Anjaneyasana
Beneficial to the heart-
A posture that is highly beneficial for the heart and thus increases breathing and helps one have good blood circulation. This better flow of oxygen as you perform this posture helps the body in so many ways as it allows the flow of prana freely. Helps cure any form of respiratory disorder.
Beneficial in releasing Sciatica pain-
The regular practice of low lung pose helps in reducing the pain of Sciatica and is very therapeutic in dealing with this problem. Regular practice will be very helpful for the entire leg and relieving one from this pain.
Beneficial for the back-
Highly recommended for the back which includes the hip, spine and some extend the shoulder as well. The half bend is very effective for all sorts of minute back pain but one needs to be very careful while he or she is performing the pose because this may cause injury as well. Highly recommend it for people who are office goers and have back issues. Thus this can be performed to get relief from all sorts of back issues.
Beneficial for activating the thyroid glands-
As one bends the head back the thyroid glands get a very great stretch and this helps in activating the thyroid glands. The neck muscles are also stretched which again helps in any kind of pain there.
Beneficial in getting a flexible body-
The muscles that are involved here give a very good stretch to the lower portion of the body which includes the quadriceps, hamstring, hips, etc which with regular practice makes things and the lower body very flexible. Due to this reason, this is a highly recommended yoga pose for all sorts of athletes and runners.
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Beneficial for Abdomen-
With the great stretch that the low lung poses provide this is highly beneficial for the abdomen as it opens up all the organs of the body. Also is beneficial for belly fat decreasing and digestion to some extent. The open bits of help are better functioning of all the organs in the lower portion of the body. Also an alternative to the Virabhadrasana which again helps in relieving stress, anxiety, etc.
Precautions of low Lung Pose/ Anjaneyasana
Although this is almost a beginner-level pose or asana still one must be very careful regarding this asana. The reason is that everybody shape or structure is different and hence that requires a different level of dealing and care. People with knee pain or heavy body are advised to do it under an inspection or someone’s watch because in case of emergency the expert can handle the situation. Thus it is advised to either do it under an expert or take guidance from your doctor. Some of the precautions that one must take while doing this pose are as follows:-
- First, find the balance in your body and try this pose. In case you feel underconfident about balance then perform it against the wall or with a yoga bolster. The best way to do it is under the supervision of someone who is an expert in this field.
- In case of knee pain or knee replacement, it is advised not to perform this asana.
- Hip injury or arm injuries then also avoid this pose.
- If you feel any sort of discomfort then stop the pose immediately.
- First try it for 15 seconds, then 30 seconds, and slowly increase the tie.
- Take a blanket under your knees in case you feel pain or discomfort there.
- Acute attention should be paid to the position of the knee and the feet to have balance in the body.
- Perform the posture to the extent to which your body provides you with.
- The first simple sit on one knee for a few days to grab the balance before you perform it.