Health woes? Try this yoga pose!

The cat stretch or marjariasana is quite a miraculous pose. It is one of those cure-all poses that are suggested as therapy for most ailments: spinal problems, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, skin problems, all respiratory ailments, urogenital problems and digestive disorders. It is also used as therapy for emotional issues like depression, anger management and lethargy.

A soothing pose that may be used exclusively to de-stress oneself, it is suggested as one of those poses which may be done first thing in the morning, as you wake up. It is also one of a few poses allowed during menstruation, since it helps contain cramps.

The pose is easy to negotiate and can be done at any level of practice, from beginners to the advanced levels. It has minimal contraindications and works at various levels inside the body. It also offers a super rest-break between more difficult poses and relieves stiffness you may feel in difficult back-bends. The pose also offers many variations, so it remains challenging.

In a two-part series, yoga acharya Shameem Akthar, trained with the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center, Kerala, takes you through all the different ways you can do a relaxing, healing cat stretch in yoga.

Catch more of Shameem's yoga writings and information about her upcoming workshops at jaisivananda.blogspot.com.

This article only attempts to enthuse readers towards yoga practice and complement your existing practice. Yoga is best learnt under the personal guidance of a teacher.

Marjariasana (Cat stretch, stage I)

Sit on your heels. Lean forward to place your palms flat on the ground in front of you, so you are now on your fours. Inhale raising your head towards the ceiling, caving in your spine. This is the first stage of the classic cat stretch and the stage from which you move into all the other variations mentioned. Dropping your spine and curving must be mastered well before moving into the following stages.

Benefits: It is the safest among yogic asanas, with multiple benefits of de-stressing, improving lung capacity, rectifying postural defects (posture impacts breathing). It also boosts immunity by impacting the immune gland at chest.

                                                                                                 courtesy:rediffmail get ahead