Advertisement
Follow Us
Conscious Healthy Living
July 30, 2010
Inflate your zafu,
deflate your ego
Inflatable zafus are the ultimate portable meditation cushion. Compact and light.
Dancer's Pose
Written by Yoga Lizard   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Sanskrit word nata means dancer and raja means king. The King of the Dance pose, or Natarajasana in Sanskrit, is in reference in Hindu myth to Shiva, The Lord of the Dance, the source of all movement within the cosmos. As Nataraja, Shiva represents apocalypse and creation as he dances away the illusory world of Maya, transforming it into power and enlightenment.


This asana helps to reinforce your sense of balance. It tones the muscles of the hips and legs as well as nourishes the chest muscles. It gently aligns the vertebrae of the spine adding suppleness and easing strain caused by poor posture or long periods of sitting.

 

Instructions:

Begin by standing with your feet together and arms down at your side.

Inhale and bend your right leg backward, gripping your right arch of your foot with your right hand, while at the same time stretching your left arm out in front of you … this will help you to maintain your balance.
Keep raising your right arm (and leg) as far as you are able, aiming to achieve the most optimal stretch while keeping the right hip level with the left.
Hold this posture as long as you comfortably can while maintaining your balance, usually about a minute or two, breathing gently through your nose.
Return slowly to a standing position with both feet on the floor.
Repeat on the other side.

Anatomical Focus

Backbend

Benefits

Good for practicing balance and opening the shoulders and thigh.

Precautions

If your hand doesn't reach your foot behind you, don't force it.

Doshic Benefits

This stabilizing pose is very grounding for Vata. And the heart opening is good for Pitta.

Beginner Tips

Stand next to a wall and use your left hand for support from a wall or chair while you are first trying this pose. 

Variations

Try different hand mudras positions with the left hand while in this pose. Try touching your thumb and index finger and turning the palm to face the ceiling. You could also try closing your eyes for more of a challenge. 

* Please check with your physician before beginning any exercise program

Would you like to further discuss the  Dancer's Pose? Please visit our forums by clicking here
 

Your Yoga Lizard Account




Advertisement
Yoga... without the mat
Do yoga anywhere without a mat.
Yoga Paws are portable and made from a non-slip material similar to that of a yoga mat. Special offer: 2 for $45.95
Advertisement