Makarasana

"Makara" means a crocodile. This asana is a type of cultural asana. In this asana, the body assumes the shape of a crocodile floating in water. So, this asana is called Makarasana. This asana increases the heat of the body.

Technique of Makarasana :

• Lie on the ground face down, the chest touching the ground and both legs stretched out.
• Let the upper parts of the feet touch the ground. Keep the heels upwards.
• Raise the arms and put them in front of the head and hold the middle part of the left upper arm with the right hand and the middle part of the right upper arm with the left hand.
• Keep the head downwards and close the eyes.
• The head will rest on the abdomen, the thighs and the upper parts of the feet will touch the ground in a straight line.
• Relax the body while practicing this asana. Breathe deeply and meditate on God.
• This asana should be maintained for 2-3 minutes.
• Release the pose when you start feeling tension in the shoulders or neck muscles.
• Lie on your back and resume.

Benefits of Makarasana :

• Though the process of practicing this asana is inverse to that of practicing Shavasana, the aim of both the asanas is the same : to give relaxation and compete rest to the body.
• This is beneficial in Asthma.
• It eradicates the fatigue and gives relaxation to all the parts of the body and mind.
• Abdominal muscles get automatic massage.
• It helps to reduce high blood pressure.
• It prevents scoliosis and flatulence.
• Genito-urinary disorders are cured.
• This asana is ideal after any strenuous work or asana.
• this asana is useful to those whose spine or back is injured.
• It maintains the flexibility of these areas and is beneficial for those with sciatica, slipped disc, backache and spondylitis in the lumber region.

Remember :

• If it is difficult to place one elbow on the other place both elbows slightly apart.
• Head should remain inside elbow.

Contra indications :

• People having heart problem, gas, high blood pressure, obesity should not practice it.
• As the body is relaxed one is inclined to sleep which one should strictly avoid.
• Pregnant women should not practice it.