Cakrasana - 1

This Asana has come through tradition. 'Cakra' means 'wheel'. In this Asana the whole body is given the shape of a wheel or half a wheel, hence it is called Cakrasan. The following technique of Cakrasana has been described first by Swami Kuvalayanandaji.

Technique :-

1. Stand erect with legs together, toes together, hands by the side of the thighs, gaze in front.
   
   
2. Slowly raise your one hand (right) from the side and bring it parallel to your shoulder, hands straight. Palms facing downwards.
   
   
3. In the same position turn the palm towards sky.
   
   
4. Start raising your hands upward and let the arms touch the ear. Fingers will point towards sky.
   
   
5. Now start bending laterally towards left side. Looseen the left part of your body. The left hand will go slope down from the thigh together with the body.
   
   
6. After maintaining for some time, slowly return your hands and stand erect.
   
   
7. Similarly practise it from other side. This forms one complete round of cakrasana.
   

Remember:-

1. While bending do not bend forward or backward. Only the upper part of the waist will bend laterally either towards left or right.
   
   
2. Do not start bending before hand is completely straight upward.
   
   
3. While practising Asana gaze in front.

Benefits and Limitations:-

1. It minimises the stiffness of spine and connected nerves are made strong.
   
   
2. The side muscles are also made strong.
   
   
3. Those suffering from spondilitis should practise it carefully.