Shashankasana is a yoga pose that helps to relax the mind and body and also helps in relieving one of depression. It provides an easy way of stretching the body and is an easy pose to practice for all those suffering from menstrual cramps.

Meaning

Shashanka in Sanskrit means hare and asana means pose thus giving the pose its name.

Technique

The asana begins with the Vajrasana or the Thunderbolt pose.
Kneel down and keep the hands on the thighs.
Breathe in and stay relaxed.
Now raise the hands above the head and place the palms such that they face ahead.
They should be along with the shoulders.
Now bend down and keep the hands ahead.
Now the forehead and the hands should touch the ground.
One has to breathe out while bending in this way.
Now place the hands and the forehead on the floor and remain in this position for many days.
Let the final position be slow, rhythmic and relaxed.
Now breathe out and come back to initial position.
You may repeat this process 10 to 12 times.

Benefits

It helps to relax the mind and also cures depression.
It helps to maintain the pelvic region and also removes any kind of sciatic pain.
It alters all problems of sexual disorders.
It provides a good body stretch and is ideal for menstrual cramps.

Variations

There are many variations of Shashankasana. One of the best variations is usually the one that is done by keeping the hands behind the back and where the hands are taken to the front. It is done in a similar manner on there is a changed pattern of performing it.