Sphinx Pose (Salamba Bhujangasana): A Gentle Backbend in Yoga

The yoga pose, known as Sphinx Pose (Salamba Bhujangasana), is a gentle backbend that strengthens the spine, opens the chest, and improves posture. It involves lying on your stomach with your forearms on the floor, elbows directly below your shoulders, and your palms flat. Your forehead rests on the floor, and your legs are extended behind you with the tops of your feet flat on the floor. This pose is commonly practiced to relieve stress, improve digestion, and promote relaxation.

Benefits

• Strengthens the spine: Sphinx Pose gently stretches and strengthens the muscles that support the spine, promoting flexibility and reducing back pain.
• Opens the chest: The backbend in this pose opens up the chest, improving lung capacity and breathing. It also can help relieve tightness in the chest and shoulders.
• Improves posture: Regular practice of Sphinx Pose can help strengthen the back muscles, which improves posture and reduces the likelihood of slouching.
• Relieves stress: The gentle backbend in Sphinx Pose promotes relaxation, reducing stress and anxiety. It also calms the nervous system.
• Boosts energy: By increasing blood flow to the heart and lungs, Sphinx Pose can provide a boost in energy levels.
• Improves digestion: The gentle compression of the abdomen in this pose can aid digestion and reduce bloating.

Steps

1. Lie on your stomach with your legs extended behind you, feet together, and the tops of your feet pressing into the floor.
2. Place your forearms on the floor directly beneath your shoulders, elbows pointing straight behind you, and palms flat.
3. Press your forearms and hands into the floor and lift your chest off the ground.
4. Keep your hips and thighs flat on the floor and engage your core muscles.
5. Press through your feet and keep your legs straight.
6. Extend your neck forward, keeping your chin slightly tucked in, and rest your forehead on the floor.
7. Hold the pose for 10 to 30 seconds, breathing deeply and evenly.
8. To release, slowly lower your chest back to the floor and relax.

Precautions

• Avoid this pose if you have a neck injury: If you have a history of neck pain or injury, it's best to avoid Sphinx Pose or modify it by using a pillow under your forehead.
• Don't overarch your back: Focus on lifting your chest gently and avoid pushing your back beyond a comfortable range.
• Listen to your body: If you feel any pain, stop the pose immediately.
• Do not hold your breath: Breathe deeply and evenly throughout the pose.

Suitable For

Sphinx Pose is a great option for beginners, as it is a gentle backbend that is relatively easy to learn. It is also suitable for people with limited flexibility. It can also benefit those with back pain, as the pose helps strengthen and lengthen the spine.

When Most Effective

Sphinx Pose is best practiced in the morning, as it helps energize and prepare the body for the day ahead. However, it can also be done in the evening to promote relaxation and improve sleep. It is best to practice this pose on an empty stomach, as it can cause discomfort if done after a heavy meal.

Tips

For a deeper stretch, you can experiment with different hand placements, such as placing your hands closer together or further apart. You can also try placing a block under your chest or forehead for added support. If you have trouble keeping your hips on the floor, try bending your knees slightly.