Makarasana is the simplest way to correct your posture and prevent backache

When it comes to yoga, we are immediately drawn to all those poses that are complex and intricate. That’s because we believe that the more complex a pose is, the more benefits it will have in store for you. But let us make a big reveal – this theory is absolutely bogus. And makarasana aka crocodile pose proves it right!

Crocodile pose — makarasana is a restorative or healing posture, and is an effective asana, while transitioning in between poses that work on back strengthening. Makarasana relaxes the nervous system, and is practiced at the end of a yoga session. This posture cools down the body, giving you necessary rest. 

Best practiced early in the morning on an empty stomach, makarasana helps bowel movements. If not in the morning, you can do it in the evenings after a three to four-hour gap after your last meal. 

Here’s how you can perform this asana:

• Lie on the floor on your stomach.
• Fold your hands, placing the tip of the elbows on the ground at shoulder distance apart
• Keep your fingers, facing upwards. 
• Lift up your shoulders and head, while keeping the neck straight and looking ahead.
• Place your chin in your palms.
• Your legs are stretched out, with toes facing outwards. 
• Breathe normally and slowly to relax your muscles.
• Hold the asana, until you feel completely relaxed.
• To release, gently remove your palms from the chin, bring your shoulders and head down, and roll over.

“You can repeat makarasana five to 10 times, and hold it for five to 10 deep breaths,” suggested yoga guru, Grand Master Akshar.

Here are some really cool benefits of doing makarasana:

• It keeps backache at bay
• Allows you to breathe slowly, efficiently, and deeply
• Helps you stay alert
• Releases tight knots in your body, and makes it flexible
• Makarasana offers relaxation for your shoulders and spine
• Cures asthma, knee pain, and any lung related issues
• It helps in curing slip disc, spondylitis, and sciatica
• Treats mental disorders
• Stretches out hip muscles
• It keeps you rejuvenated
• It relieves stress
• Treats hypertension, heart diseases, 
• It stretches the muscles of the abdomen, chest, and neck, relieving fatigue and aches in those areas

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Kindly avoid doing makarasana, if you have any of these

• Avoid this pose, if you have a serious back injury. 
• For those with neck injuries, place a folded blanket around the neck as support during the asana. This will help you avoid any pressure or support for the neck.