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Bow Pose

Everything You Need to Know About Bow Pose

Do you lack spine flexibility? If so, it could lead to various other complications. For instance, a lack of flexible spine leads to muscle contraction, less range of motion of joints, and pain in the body. That’s not all. Spinal immobility, over time, might become a major cause of the shrinking of muscles. However, you can keep all these mishappenings at bay with regular yoga practice. More than that, you should practice Bow pose (Dhanurasana) for better spinal flexibility.

Before knowing how Bow pose (Dhanurasana) benefits you, let’s first understand what is Bow pose (Dhanurasana), its significance, and instructions to perform it. Read on.

What is Bow pose (Dhanurasana)?

One of the best back bend yoga poses, the Bow pose (Dhanurasana) is an intermediate-level yoga pose. The formation or stance that you form while practicing this pose resembles that of a bow. Hence, the name rightfully signifies the Bow pose (Dhanurasana).

Holding on to your ankles while lying on the ground works on your neck, shoulder muscles & joints, spinal flexibility, quads, and ankles. Moreover, it works on a deeper level on your spinal muscles that enhances your flexibility, agility, mobility, and releases stress.

With that said, let’s understand how to practice the Bow pose (Dhanurasana) with a step-by-step guide. This way you’ll have better insight into the little details you need to keep in mind while practicing this pose.

Step-by-Step Guide to Practice Bow Pose (Dhanurasana)

  1. First and foremost step is to find a flat comfortable space to lie on your stomach.
  2. Place your hands by your sides and fold your legs.
  3. Make sure your feet are directed towards the ceiling.
  4. Moreover, you should keep your breathing in check while folding your legs.
  5. Get hold of your ankles with your hands.
  6. For that, you need to extend your arms back without lifting your torso.
  7. Inhale slowly and try to move your legs away from your hips.
  8. However, make sure you pull up your chest muscles.
  9. Balance your body on your waist.
  10. Moreover, keep stretching your shoulder joints to increase their range of motion.
  11. Also, do not stop breathing while practicing the Bow pose.
  12. Once done, gently let go of your ankles and return to the initial position.

Significance of Bow Pose (Dhanurasana)

There is a huge significance of the Bow pose (Dhanurasana) in Hindu Mythology. In the Great Ramayana, Lord Ram went to Princess Sita’s swayamvara where he broke Lord Shiva’s bow. It was a task that none other prince was able to pull off. Moreover, the breaking of the Shiva’s bow was to show Lord Ram’s integrity and divinity.

Furthermore, in Mahabharata, in all the major fights, bows and arrows were used. Also, both arch-rivals Karana and Arjuna were masters in archery that included the use of bows and arrows. Thus, the practice of the Bow pose helps you have integrity and divinity along with major physical benefits.

Benefits of Bow Pose (Dhanurasana)

Balances Spinal Movement

At present times, either you are sitting too much or bending forward too much. That puts a lot of pressure on your spinal joints. Practicing the Bow pose balances out the forward bending of your spine. It also improves the back bending of the spine muscles.

Releases Muscle Tension

Too much sitting leads to the accumulation of muscle fatigue and tension. It halts the free movement of your body. However, regular practice of the Bow pose stretches the deep spinal, quads, and inner thigh muscles. This enhances your physical and sexual health.

Strong Quad Muscles

Holding your legs while practicing the Bow pose stretches your quads muscles. It releases all the muscle tension, fatigue, or stress. Moreover, stretching leads to a better flow of blood into your quads that improves muscle endurance.

Improves Lower Back Power

The lower back is at greater risk with continuous forward bending movements. With consistent practice of the Bow pose, your lower back becomes less prone to injuries. Therefore, you remain at your peak performance without compromising your functional strength.

Also Read: Supine Twist Pose

Sum Up

Bow pose (Dhanurasana) is not just for your spine. It works on your whole body. Moreover, breathing while practicing the Bow pose increases your lung’s power and storage. No matter which yoga pose you opt for, just make sure you learn the basics first before getting on with the practice of intermediate or advanced yoga poses.

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