"Vakra" means 'twisted' in Sanskrit. In this pose the practitioner's trunk gets twisted to the left and right sides.
Sequence:
- Sit erect on the floor with legs stretched in front.
- Keep your hands on either side with palms touching the ground.
- Fold your left leg at the knee and place it near the right thigh vertically.
- The sole should be lying flat on the ground.
- Your left thigh should be touching the chest.
- Place your left palm on the floor near the right palm. The fingers of both hands should be facing each other.
- Taking support of the palms, turn the upper part of your body towards the right.
- Try to look over your shoulder.
- Continue breathing normally.
- Stay in this posture until you feel the strain in your back.
- Return to original position by turning your neck and trunk and then lifting your left hand.
- Open out your left leg.
- Repeat the same steps as above changing sides and limb.
Benefits:
- Vakrasana alleviates backaches.
- The spine gets extended and attains elasticity.
- Flab on the lateral side of the abdomen gets reduced.
- Vakrasana is very beneficial to the nervous system.
- Vital abdominal organs like the liver, spleen and intestine get toned.
