How to do the Locust — 12 Basic Asanas #7

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THE LOCUST: ŚALABHĀSANA

Supplements and enhances the effects of the Cobra (Bhujaṅgāsana). The Locust brings flexibility to the cervical region and strengthens the lumbar and sacral regions of the back, thus improving the quality of all sitting & standing activities. Unlike the other āsanas, which are done slowly, you achieve Locust by making a single powerful muscle contraction, similar to that of a locust jumping. This simultaneously brings together thought, breath, movement, and prāṇa (vital energy).

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).

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ABOUT SIVANANDA CANADA
The International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres is a non-profit organization named after Swami Sivananda, one of the most influential spiritual teachers of the 20th century and founded by his disciple Swami Vishnudevananda.

The mission – to spread peace, health and joy through yoga. All are welcome to come to our ashrams and centres to learn not only about how yoga can help maintain a healthy body but also how yogic philosophy, applied in daily life, can help maintain a peaceful mind and spirit.

In 1957, Swami Vishnudevananda on instructions from his guru, Swami Sivananda, came to the West to bring the teachings of yoga. He established the first Sivananda Yoga Vedanta centre in Montreal, Canada, in 1959 and to date there are close to 60 Sivananda locations (ashrams, yoga centres and affiliated centres) around the world. Over 26,000 teachers have been trained in the TTC programs.

The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Ashrams and Centres are recognized worldwide for teaching yoga authentically, preserving its purity and tradition dating back several thousand years. They also offer a wide range of programs and even the possibility for spiritual growth through Karma yoga as a temporary or full time staff program participant.

Swami Vishnudevananda made the yogic teachings understandable and available to all by simplifying them into five points, showing specific ways to develop physical and mental health as well as spiritual growth through ~ Proper Exercise (Asanas), Proper Breathing (Pranayama), Proper Relaxation (Savasana), Proper Diet (vegetarian), Positive Thinking (Vedanta) and Meditation (Dhyana).

Together with Swami Sivananda’s revival of the yoga of synthesis tradition, which integrates the four paths of Yoga (Karma, Bhakti, Raja, Jnana), a well-balanced Sadhana (spiritual discipline) is achievable by those sincerely seeking for a change in their lives.

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