This yoga posture has been named after the shape it takes – that of a bow. Dhanurasana (Bow Pose) is part of the Padma Sadhana sequence. The meaning of this asana means :Dhanu = Bow; Asana = Posture or Pose

The steps for doing Dhanurasana are as follow :

1) Lie on your stomach with your feet hip-width apart and your arms by the side of your body.
2) Fold your knees and hold your ankles.
3) Breathing in, lift your chest off the ground and pull your legs up and back.
4) Keep the pose stable while paying attention to your breath. Your body is now taut as a bow.
5) Continue to take long deep breaths as you relax in this pose.
6) After 15 -20 seconds, as you exhale, gently bring your legs and chest to the ground. Release the ankles and relax.

This asana strengthens the back and abdominal muscles and stimulates the reproductive organs .It also opens up the chest, neck and shoulders and tones the leg and arm muscles and adds greater flexibility to the back.

Yoga practices can make us more and more sensitive to subtle sensations in the body. Paying attention to and staying with finer sensations within the body is one of the surest ways to steady the wandering mind. Yoga Arena provides you with the best videos of yoga asanas, pranayam, meditation and many more exercises to bring back the fitness and healthy living for everyone.