Supta Vajrasana, also known as the Sleeping Thunderbolt Pose. This pose is an advanced reclining yoga posture. The Sanskrit word “Supta” means sleeping or reclining, and “Vajra” means thunderbolt. In English commonly called as “Sleeping thunderbolt pose”,
This pose symbolizes strength and stability. Supta Vajrasana is especially beneficial for digestion. It also helps to strengthen the lower back, enhancing the flexibility in the spine, and the shoulders and chest.
Physical Benefits of Supta Vajrasana:-
There are many physical benefits that Supta Vajrasana provides, as it stretches and tones various muscle areas. This pose strongly stretches the thighs, knees, and hip joints, which improves flexibility and mobility in the lower body. Daily practice of Supta Vajrasana can reduce stiffness in the legs and improve joint health.
The back-bending action brings an extreme extension to the spine, which enhances the strength and flexibility of the lower back. The exercise further opens the chest and shoulders, which helps in rounding the shoulders and changing the posture. The exercise would further open the chest. It will also help to open the chest and increase lung capacity, which helps to enhance respiratory efficiency.
Supta Vajrasana (Sleeping Thunderbolt Pose) is very helpful to our digestive system. It stimulates our abdominal organs and helps to reduce constipation, as well as bloating, and enhances digestion. The slow and soft pressure on the abdomen also supports metabolic function.
Therapeutic Benefits of Supta Vajrasana:-
Supta Vajrasana offers many therapeutic benefits if practiced this pose correctly and under the guidance of a highly experienced yoga guru. This pose is mostly helpful for improving digestive disorders in the body, like indigestion, acidity, and constipation, and stimulates the digestive organs and improves the digestive fire.
The gentle back bend is also helpful in reducing lower back pain and stiffness resulting from improper posture and muscle stiffness. It is also helpful in opening the chest and rib cage. Supta vajrasana is also helpful in improving the breathing process and is more advantageous for people with mild breathing conditions, such as asthma.
Supta Vajrasna also helps to reduce stress and mental fatigue by calming the nervous system. The reclining position promotes relaxation in the body and makes it useful for managing anxiety, insomnia, and emotional tension. This pose also improves the blood circulation in the body, or in the pelvic and abdominal parts, also supports the hormonal balance and reproductive health.
Supta Vajrasana helps to relieve menstrual discomfort in women and enhance pelvic organ function. It is recommended to avoid it in cases where the practitioner is suffering from knee injuries, severe back issues, and post-surgery conditions. Correct and regular practice of Supta Vajrasana can assist in healing the body as well as the mind.
How to practice Supta Vajrasana:-
Supta Vajrasana (Sleeping Thunderbolt Pose) is practiced by first sitting in Vajrasana. Once you are seated properly, place your hands down on the floor behind you to create an anchor for your body when leaning back. Once support has been provided through your hands, slowly lean back until your elbows touch the ground and your back touches the ground. During this process, do not lift your knees and keep your feet close to your hips. Once your elbow and back have found their way onto the floor, gently lay the top of your head on the mat or the back of your head on the mat, whichever is most comfortable. Inhale deeply and relax into the length of your spine as you breathe out. Hold this position for a period of time that is between twenty and sixty seconds, then slowly lift yourself back to a seated position (Vajrasana) using controlled movements.
Precautions and Contraindications:-
Precautions:
Supta Vajrasana is an advanced yoga posture. It should be practiced with care and under the guidance of a highly experienced yoga teacher. Before doing this pose, warm up the knees, hips, and spine. Move slowly and carefully while backbending and never force the body into the posture.
Maintain a balanced, relaxed breathing pattern throughout the practice. If you feel pain in the knees, lower back, or ankles, immediately come out of the posture. Use props like bolsters, cushions, blocks, or a pillow under the back, which can help reduce the pressure and give support.
Supta Vajrasana should be done on an empty stomach or a gap of 2-3 hours after meals. If you are doing this pose for the first time, avoid holding the posture for a prolonged period. This asana is best learned under a qualified yoga instructor. People with tight thighs or low spinal flexibility should practice this asana slowly. Practicing Supta Vajrasana regularly but safely ensures the benefits of the posture are achieved without any discomfort.
Contraindications:
This asana should also be avoided by people who have knee injuries, knee arthritis, torn ligaments, and knee pain because Weight and posture create stress on the knee joints. People who are suffering from problems with the ankle or hip joint also avoid this asana.
Without a proper foundation, people with lower back pain, slipped disc, sciatica, or severe spinal disorders must not practice Supta Vajrasana; the deep backbend will spoil these conditions. Such individuals who have neck injuries or cervical spondylosis must avoid this asana; the strain comes on the neck while reclining.
This asana is not suitable for those suffering from heart conditions, high blood pressure, hernia, peptic ulcers, or recent abdominal surgery because the deep abdominal compression and chest expansion involved pose a danger to them. Pregnant women should avoid Supta Vajrasana in the course of all stages of pregnancy.
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Conclusion
Supta Vajrasana, or the Sleeping Thunderbolt Pose, is a strong but relaxing yoga posture that deeply stretches the abdomen, thighs, and spine. This asana supports healthy digestion, flexibility, and lower back and pelvic strengthening. This asana will also promote deep breathing that can help in releasing tension, soothing the nervous system, and reducing mental disturbance. It can be great for one’s general vitality and inner balance. Mindful practice of Supta Vajrasana on a regular basis can prove to be a worthy addition to a holistic yoga practice, energizing both body and mind.