Poorna Shalabhasana: The Full Locust Pose Benefits

In Purna Shalabhasana performer makes a pose of the flying locust, and pressure comes on the core and back. This exercise is also known as locust pose, and there are two ways to perform this asana. One is termed as Half locust pose, and the other is full locust pose. This name comes from the Sanskrit word “Salabh”, and “ Asana” means pose, collectively termed as shalabhasana.

The purpose behind this pose is to work on the stomach or core of the back. There are numerous benefits of the pose, like spine alignment and increased blood flow in the lower legs. It also reduces sciatica pain and tones thighs, glutes and hips.

What Is Shalabhasana?

There is no particular definition of the poses in yoga; they're mostly related to the ways of performing and their benefits to the person. Based on the Gheranda Samhita explanation of locust Pose, make ready a Yogi to leap beyond physical weakness.

When we observe any locust, it lifts its hind legs to jump or leap, and when a yogi lifts their legs straight while lying on the stomach against the floor, called Shalabhasana by Siddhas. The ancient texts have tough language, and they are difficult to simplify. The mentioned text is written by Sage Gheranda (an ancient yogic master), which defines the basis and purpose of Yoga.

How to Do Salabhasana? Easy Steps Guide

Now next question is how to perform Shalabhasana? It is also one of the easiest poses that can be performed on the mat. There are very few contraindications to this pose, but you have to avoid this pose if you are suffering from sciatica pain continuously. Let's start with the procedure:

• With palms facing upward, stretch legs and feet together in a straight line.
• Keep your neck in a relaxed position and head or chin on the floor, resting position.
• While inhaling deeply and with a forced expiration, engage the glute, thighs and calf muscles.
• Simultaneous lifting of the legs and the neck helps in positioning the spine, and it improves posture and body flexibility.
• When you hold this pose for 30 seconds, it increases blood circulation in the back and abdominal region.
• Then slowly release your position, first head down, and then legs and hind legs.
• You can repeat it if you are a beginner instead of holding the same position for a long time.

What Are the Benefits of Salabhasana?

Salabhasana, according to the ancient texts known for the awakening of inner strength and correcting imbalances in the spine and lower back portion. There are three types of impacts of Yogasana: emotional, mental and physical. The full locust pose is known for resilience, reducing lethargy and stimulating vital energy of the body. Here are some listed benefits of the Salabhasana:

Strengthening Spine & Pranic Flow

The central energy channel is known as Sushumna Nadi in the yogic culture, and with the locust pose, it gets activated. So it promotes proper Prana Circulation in the body. According to the Ghernada Samhita, it works for strengthening subtle energy and awakening Kundalini Shakti, which is present i the navel region of any person. 

Improves Intestinal Digestion & Stimulates the Liver

The middle section of the human body is known as the digestive fire. All organs which is responsible for the digestion, i.e. Pancreas, the Liver and the Spleen, are present in the lower abdominal region. So, full locust pose helps in balancing Pitta Dosha in the body and makes the digestive fire active to increase metabolic rate.

Activates Lower Chakras in the Body

The grounding, fertility and creativity are controlled by the three lower chakras of the body. Salabhasana activates all three chakras of the lower body. With the help of these chakras, survival instincts and emotional stability are maintained.

Stimulates Vital Energy in the Body

Vital energy in the body is stored in the form of Ojas, and it shows signs on the face if it is activated. It is also responsible for the immunity, sexuality, stamina and the spiritual growth of the body. Salabhasana is known for activating and storing the Ojas.

Reduces Lethargy and Kapha

Salabhasana is energising in nature, and it reduces the heaviness and laziness of the body. It brings lightness and flexibility to the body.

Mental Resilience and Willpower

Holding Salabhasana increase Tapas in the body, it maintains inner heat and discipline in the Yogi’s body. The great efforts which is demanded in the Salabhasana locust pose are stillness and endurance. They are known for mind alignment and increasing willpower.

Cures Back-Weakness

Most of the mentioned benefits in the above section are from the ancient texts. According to modern science, sciatica pain is in the lower portion and spinal deterioration is cured by the Locust Pose.

Conclusion 

The Salabhasana or full locust pose is known for both spiritual and physical maintenance. When keeping the body straight and holding legs in the leaping backwards position is the right position of the locust pose. Its benefits are in the digestive, reproductive and spiritual functions of the body. Many ancient texts show their benefits in maintaining ojas and awakening kundalini power. You can also follow the advice of Partham Yoga Centre for practising various yoga poses.