Lord Shiva’s pose – Natarajasana

November 5, 2012/in Balancing/by Christina Jagusiak

Natarajasana

Stand with the feet together and the arms beside the body.
Bend right knee and take a hold of the right big toe with right hand behind the body.
Raise the left arm up and forward, curl the index finger to the base of the left thumb to form jnana mudra.
Keeping the hips aligned, slowly raise and stretch the right leg up and back, simultaneously, swivel the right shoulder to point the elbow upwards.
Bring the right foot toward the back of the head and slightly lower the outstretched arm to counterbalance.
Gaze softly at the left hand.
Hold for as long as comfortable.
Release the posture by reversing the order of movements then repeat with left leg.
Practice up to 3 rounds to each side.

Breathing

Natural breath.

Awareness

The outstretched arm.
Still and stable body.
Jnana mudra.
Ajna chakra.

Contraindications

Heart conditions.
High blood pressure.
Back conditions.
Hernia.

Benefits

Improves the sense of balance.
Strengthens the back, shoulder, arm, hip, leg, ankle and foot muscles.
Develops concentration and focus
Calms and balances the mind.