Yoga Pose:
Natarajasana
Important Note
Take special precautions while doing any asana. If you are learning yoga, then take the advice of a knowledgeable person. Do not put any kind of force in the event of pain or unable to do so. Keep in mind that you will be able to succeed only with constant practice.
Brief Introduction Of The Natarajasana
- The Natarajasana is also called as the Dance Pose or the Lord of the Dance Pose. This asana has a long history and is also in practice with modern yoga. It originates from Bharatnatyam, which is a classical dance in India and can be seen in sculptures and temples in the country.
- It is said that this asana helps you connect with the cosmic energy that is present around you. This asana belongs to the intermediate level and has a little bit of difficulty associated with it. A general warm up and stretching may be required before you begin this pose.
- There are preparatory poses and follow-up poses that you might want to practice before getting into the Natarajasana pose. The preparatory and follow-up poses are usually covered in the beginners’ stage of yoga asanas.
How To Do The Natarajasana?
The Natrajasana helps you with day-to-day activities and sports that you may be involved in. It generally helps you to improve the stretchability of your body parts. Apart from improving your general balance this pose also helps you to attain core strength with regular practice.
- Ensure that you select to practice the Natrajasana in a flat surface. You might not require any cushion as this is a standing pose. Flat surfaces ensure that your balance is right by all means so that you attain the proper posture.
- You can begin with starting to shift the entire weight of your body on to your right foot. Bending the left knee to shift weight is ideal when you begin to lift it off the ground.
- The left knee of yours should be close to the midline and ideally hugging it. This is something that has to be maintained throughout the entire duration of practicing the Natrajasana.
- Rest your thumb on your sole while your left hand is grasping the left foot from the instep. Your thumb should be pointing in the direction of your toes when you are holding your left leg.
- Your right arm should then be lifted slowly and steadily until it reaches the ceiling. While you do this your left leg should be lifted behind while your torso moves in the forward direction. This is essential to attain proper counter balance.
- You can move your right arm forward which too contributes to your balance. However, at the same time you should ensure that your left leg does not move towards the outside of your body.
- Although in the initial days you might not do this you may have to within a few days of trying this pose. Kicking your left leg towards your had would help you. This would ensure that you are able to move your left leg higher up in the air.
- While you are kicking you would also have to deepen your backbend. It may be important to also keep your left toes completely active to avoid numbness. Stretching higher would require more practice and better balance.
- Now is the most important part of holding your posture. This can be done without compromising your balance if you choose to fix your eyes on something that is not moving. A fixed gaze is important and contributes towards balance. In this position you can begin by holding anywhere between 5 – 10 breaths.
- To relax you can begin kicking your left foot towards your left hand strongly. This would allow you to lower the left leg and bring it parallel to the right. You can repeat these steps with the other leg in the same pattern.
- Balance is the key when it comes to practicing the Natrajasana pose. It is also important that you follow each of these steps slowly and steadily and not rush in. Avoiding swift movements is also important so that you do not lose out on your balance.
- Stretching your legs too high may not be ideal for a beginner practicing yoga asanas. This is something that comes naturally to you over a period of time practicing. Risking injury is high when you are trying too hard to stretch and bring your leg too high up behind you.
Benefits Of The Natarajasana
Natrajasana is a pose that brings about many benefits to your body. Apart from increasing your power to concentrate it also helps with other things such as balance and poise. We look at the other unique advantages that this pose brings to you as a person.
- Increases your core strength to a great extent with regular practice.
- Stretches your shoulders to a great extent which helps in a relaxed walking, sitting, or standing posture.
- You can attain strength in your hips, chest, and ankles when practicing Natrajasana regularly.
- People who are interested in weight loss activities can also choose to do this asana. This is done by increasing your metabolic rate and better digestion.
- Abdominal organs, thighs, and groin are stretched which tends to improve your overall body condition and proper working of the organs.
Precautions To Be Taken While Doing The Natarajasana
Each of the yoga asanas come with a set of precautions that you are supposed to be aware of. This would help you not just practice the asana properly but also attain all the benefits associated with it. You would also end up avoiding injuries and health complications.
- People with heart problems, back pain that is severe, high blood pressure, peptic or duodenal ulcer, vertigo, colitis, or hernia should keep away from tying this asana.
- Holding the pose for too long is not advised as it would be better if you stick with the recommended duration.
- Do not stretch your legs or other parts of the body beyond comfort levels.
- Pregnant women should never attempt this pose as it may lead to complications in pregnancy.
Conclusion
- If you are unsure about your health condition you should always consult a general physician before trying Natrajasana.
- It is also advised that you do this asana with proper preparatory poses and not otherwise.
- You can also use the help of a yoga instructor if necessary.
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