Śalabhāsana/ Locust comes from the Sanskrit
śalabh meaning
grasshopper or locust and āsana meaning posture. The posture is said to
resemble a locust resting on the ground.
A dynamic pose which stimulates the circulatory system, bringing blood supply to neck and throat, stimulating the thyroid and parathyroid glands. It strengthens the arms and legs and relieves symptoms of sciatica.
Lying on the abdomen bring the chin to the floor. Stretch the chin forward as far as possible. Make fists of the hands and bring them under the thighs. Bring the elbows close together under the body.
Half Locust.
Inhale, raise the right leg up as high as possible without lifting or twisting the hips. Exhale, lower the leg to the ground. Repeat with the left leg. Do this 2-5 times on each side, holding the leg up for 5 to 15 seconds each time.
Full Locust.
Take three deep breaths, on the third breath raise both the legs off the ground as high as possible. Keep the knees straight. Hold for 5 to 30 seconds.
To come out of the position.
Exhale and bring the legs down with control.
Relax on the abdomen. Place one hand over the other to make a pillow for the head. Turn the head to the other side resting the cheek on hands. Bring toes together and the heels apart.
Half Locust common mistakes
The hips should not twist. The legs should not be bent. The toes should not be tucked under.
Full Locust common mistakes
Only the chin should be on the ground not the nose or forehead , Don’t ‘jump’ into the position, come up with control. The knees should not be bent or separated.
How to do the LocustSivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres & Ashrams
PHYSICAL BENEFITS
• Intestinal functions are regulated. Resistance of the abdominal walls is strengthened. Sluggish digestion is removed.
• All internal organs massaged, especially the pancreas, liver and kidneys.
• It gives a backward bend to the spine and opens the chest.
• An increased blood supply is brought to the neck and throat region.
• Flexibility of the cervical region is promoted.
• The biceps and deltoid muscles of the upper arms are strengthened and given an increased blood supply.
• The abdominal and lumbar muscles are strengthened.
• Lower-back pain and sciatica (pain down the leg) are alleviated.
• The back and shoulder muscles are strengthened.
• Bodily heat is produced.
• Digestive fire is increased.
MENTAL BENEFITS
• Of all the āsanas, this pose is the one that works most on developing will power. According to Swami Vishnudevananda, exercising will power makes one’s thoughts pure and powerful and is the main goal of the practice of āsanas. Strong will power also lifts your energy levels from inertia (Tamas) to harmony (Sattva).
Anyone learning these postures should only do so under the supervision of a competent teacher. The instructions shared as part of this exhibit are for reference and knowledge only. Anyone following these on their own, they do so at their own risk. Persons with health issues and or during pregnancy are advised to consult a medical expert before attempting any of the postures.
Demonstrators in the photographs: Kannan, Padmavati, Ananda, Eri, Asha, Shreyas, Rohit
Visit Sivananda Ashrams
