Sarpasana
Sarpasana (snake pose) is one of the preliminary practices that prepares a practitioner for advanced backward bending movements. As the name suggests, this posture resembles a snake that is ready to strike, its upper body lifted to confront a life threatening situation. Similarly, when practicing this asana, the upper body of the yogi is lifted up to strengthen the back and trunk muscles, enabling stability of posture and a strong torso.