Cobra Pose – Bhujangasana

About the pose

In Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose), as the name suggests, the body resembles a serpent with its hood raised. This yoga pose is considered as a very powerful backward bending yoga pose in Hatha Yoga. Cobra pose comes under the category of ‘lying down on the stomach’ yoga poses.

As this asana is considered powerful like the Cobra snake, a lot of care should be taken while going into the pose and coming out of the pose. Any jerks of the back while going into the pose can cause discomfort to the back and can also cause injury. While releasing too, the body must drop down slowly and not with a jerk.

How to do the pose

• Lie on your stomach, toes pointing straight back, hands underneath the shoulders, elbows close to the body. Legs engaged, pull the belly in and up
• As you inhale, lift your chest from the back of your heart. Roll the collarbones up and firm the shoulder blades into the upper back, slightly down along the spine
• Lift your head last. Open your heart, with no weight in the hands yet. Extend out through the toes
• Come down again as you exhale. Repeat that two times
• The third time you come up, use your hands to find your full expression of the pose. Lift your chest from the back of your heart, head follows. Come all the way up to a point where it feels good to you, still maintaining a connection from the pelvis to the legs
• Bring the side ribs forward, draw the upper arm bones back, lengthen the neck.
• Feel the backbend through the entire spine. You can look up, but only if you maintain length in the back of the neck, otherwise keep your gaze forwards so your neck is comfortable
• Stay for 5 to 10 breaths
• To come out, lower the body down on as you exhale and take a rest lying on your belly or in Child’s pose.

Beginners tips

• Take your time in this backbend. Only go so far as it feels comfortable. Keep your belly engaged and lower back long. Maintain the connection with your hips on the floor
• Keep your shoulders relaxed and the base of your neck soft
• Point your elbows backwards rather than out to the side

Benefits

• Strengthens the back and legs
• Stretches the front of the body, opening the chest and shoulders
• Energizes and mobilizes the spine.

Watch out for

• If you feel a strain in your lower back, lower yourself slightly or work with Sphinx pose – with your forearms on the mat
• If you have any wrist pain try bringing your hands further in front of you or slightly pointing out to decrease the angle. Or come on to your forearms as in Sphinx pose.

FURTHER READINGS

• The complete yoga teachers’ guide – How to learn, earn & grow
• Free yoga resources – eBooks, music, asanas
• Yoga mat quiz – Which yoga mat is the best for me?
• Understanding about yoga

Variations

• You can get a stronger backbend by walking your hands slightly closer to your torso, straightening and lengthening the arms.

Credits

Credits