Bhujangasana & Salabhasana

Bhujangasana
Bhujangasana
Salabhasana A
Salabhasana A
Niralamba Bhujangasana
Niralamba Bhujangasana
Salabhasana B
Salabhasana B
Salamba Bhujangasana
Salamba Bhujangasana
Salabhasana C
Salabhasana C
Vimanasana (Viniyoga Leg Vinyasa)
Vimanasana (Viniyoga Leg Vinyasa)
Urdhva Mukha Svanasana
Urdhva Mukha Svanasana

Bhujangasana

boo-jawng-GAWS-ahna

“bhujanga” = cobra

Cobra Pose

Niralamba Bhujangasana

“niralamba” = unsupported

Unsupported Cobra Pose

Salamba Bhujangasana

“salamba” = supported

Supported Cobra Pose

Also known as: Sphinx Pose

Salabhasana

shawl-uh-BOSS-ahna

“salabha” = locust

Locust Pose

Heart of Poses

Backbends

Notes

  • These backbends are accessible with widely useful benefits.
  • These poses are beneficial for strengthening spinal muscles and preparing for other backbends such as Ustrasana(Camel Pose), Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose), Dhanurasana (Bow Pose) and Urdhva Dhanurasana (Wheel / Upward-Facing Bow Pose).
  • When practicing versions of Salabhasanathat include shoulder extension, the pose also helps to prepare for Salamba Sarvangasana (Shoulderstand).
  • These poses offer more strength-building than some backbends because there isn’t a linking of upper and lower body to gain leverage.
  • These poses tend to appear easier than they are. New students need instruction in subtleties including moving their focus from the lumbar spine to the entire length of the spine.
  • See Cautions regarding low back and straining.

See Also