Hare or Crescent Moon Pose

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Shashankasana

The Sanskrit word ‘Shashank’ means moon. It is also derived from two words: shash meaning ‘hare’ and ank meaning ‘lap’. The moon symbolises peace and calm; it emits soothing and tranquillizing vibrations. Shashankasana has a similar calming and cooling effect. The pose resembles a sitting hare, therefore it is also known as ‘hare pose’’. There are many variations of this asana; the purpose is to surrender our self in the lap of mother earth. This is a relaxing asana and it gives psychological and physiological benefits.

Techniques:

• Sit in Vajarasana
• Raise the arms over the head, keeping the upper arms close to the ears
• Breathe out, bend forward from the hips and place the head and palms on the floor
• Arms should be shoulder width apart, relaxed and placed on the floor
• Hold the breath for a couple of seconds
• Inhale and raise the arms and trunk off the floor together
• Keep the arms raised over the head and come up into sitting position
• Lower the hands and rest in the sitting position
• Repeat as and when required

Contra-indications:

• High blood pressure
• Slipped disc
• Vertigo

Benefits:

• Improves the flexibility of the back and pelvic region
• Regulates the adrenal glands
• Relaxes the nervous system
• Massages the abdominal visceral organs
• Increases blood supply to the spinal muscles and nerves
• Beneficial for both the male and female reproductive organs

Cures:

• In-digestion
• Mild Backache
• Irregular Menstrual cycle
• Insomnia
• Kidney disorders
• Constipation
• Asthma