Makarasana (Crocodile Pose) is an important position that can help with asthma and lung disorders. This practice might also help to relax your entire nervous system. Makarasana is a combination of the words “Makar” and “Asana,” where “Makar” signifies crocodile and “Asana” means posture.
Individuals who perform Crocodile Pose on a daily basis have reduced stress and tension. It calms your muscles while also calming your senses. In this article, we will discuss the advantages of Crocodile Pose or Makarasana.
What is Makarasana or Crocodile Pose?
Makarasana is also known as the Crocodile Pose in English. Makarasana is a reclining yoga pose that relaxes the body, activates the sacral chakra, and can also be used for meditation or pranayama. The term is derived from the Sanskrit words makar, meaning “crocodile,” and asana, which means “pose.”
To do this asana, the practitioner lies face down with his hands folded below his head. The hands might be positioned below the chin, on the shoulders, or flat on the ground. The legs extend as far as possible, toes pointing forward. The entire body should stay relaxed.
Benefits of Makarasana or Crocodile Pose
It helps reduce back pain
Makarasana may be helpful to individuals suffering from some types of pain in their lower back. It has been observed that persons suffering from lower back pain can find comfort after performing the crocodile position. Performing this asana for a long duration of time may help benefit you in the long run. It may also relieve the compressed spinal nerves. However, make sure you practice this after consulting with a doctor and under the supervision of a skilled specialist.
It helps reduce stress
Makarasana is known to improve mental health. It may also help reduce stress and anxiety by making individuals conscious of their breathing. It may also activate the kundalini chakra (one of the body’s seven energy centers), which may have a positive effect on the mind.
It helps to strengthen the body
Makarasana is a unique posture that works the entire body. Thus, it may improve blood circulation to body parts, particularly the legs and fingers. This asana can also help with fatigue and overall discomfort. Furthermore, this position is thought to increase the body’s energy levels. As a result, makarasana may be essential for increasing physical strength.
It helps with digestion
Makarasana position may improve digestion. It was discovered that the makarasana pose creates pressure on the abdomen. It also allows the mind to focus on breathing. These effects interact and may strengthen the digesting process.
It helps improve blood circulation
Makarasana increases blood flow throughout the body, which improves circulation and delivers oxygen and nutrients to tissues and organs. It relaxes the circulatory system, allowing for improved blood flow.
It enhances lung capacity
Makarasana, which involves gentle contraction and expansion of the chest, can improve lung function and capacity over time. Regularly doing the position leads to a continuous improvement in lung health.
It helps Improve the functioning of abdominal organs.
Makarasana also improves the functioning of the abdominal organs. Breathing massages your abdomen area while lying on your stomach in this yoga pose, allowing organs such as the spleen, urinary bladder, intestines, and other digestive organs to function more efficiently.
It improves mental clarity
Regular practice of Makarasana can help clear the mind, improve focus, and increase mental clarity by lowering mental tiredness and encouraging relaxation. Regular practice of the position promotes relaxation.
It helps patients with asthma
The makarasana pose may allow more air to enter the lungs. As a result, it could be beneficial for people who suffer from asthma or other lung problems. This is a simple relaxing asana that focuses on breath awareness, making it possibly advantageous for asthmatics.
It helps relax your respiratory system
When you lie on your stomach, the need for oxygen and blood circulation in different portions of your body decreases. Consequently, the respiratory and circulatory systems relax.
How to do Makarasana (Crocodile Pose)?
This asana is best performed in the morning on an empty stomach. The Makarasana steps are as follows:
- Sit on your knees and extend your arms so they touch the mat, then slowly move your legs behind you.
- Now, lower your legs and touch your yoga mat.
- Lower your hips, stomach, and the other parts of your upper body onto the mat.
- Cross your arms in front of you, making a support for your forehead. The steps that follow are optional, but you can do them if you feel comfortable.
- Put your hands on the sides of your body and bring your forehead to the floor.
- Extend your legs and straighten your back.
- Release this pose and slowly return to the initial posture. To take the Crocodile Pose one step further, consider the following posture:
- Perform all of the Makarasana steps, but lift your upper body rather than resting your forehead.
- Maintain the position while focussing on stretching the body.
- Gently lower your chest and return to a seated position.
Conclusion
Makarasana yoga, commonly known as the crocodile position, may relieve stress, lower back discomfort, asthma, and mind relaxation. The makarasana pose resembles a crocodile lying in water, with its head and neck rising above the water. You can do this asana by lying on your stomach on the ground, slightly raising your head and shoulders, and crossing your arms in front, with the left arm on the ground and the right above it. The wrists cross in the center, and the fingers touch the inside of your elbows. You can relax by closing your eyes and resting your head in the middle of your wrists. After some while, you can open your eyes and release the posture. It may be beneficial, but you should get the advice of a trained physician before trying it, especially if you are pregnant or have spine or stomach problems.