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Sleeping Vishnu Pose
Also Known as Anantasana
About the pose/asana
This pose is named after the sleeping position of Hindu deity Lord Vishnu. It is performed while lying on the floor. The pose is deceptively easy to perform. Its main focus in on the hips.
Benefits of Sleeping Vishnu pose/asana
The pose has the following benefits:
* It helps improve your body's balance.
* It also helps in the stretching and strengthening of your calf and hamstring muscles.
* It can also cure backaches.
* It also prevents the development of Hernia.
* It also improves blood flow in the body.
How to do Sleeping Vishnu Pose or Anantasana?
Step 1: Lie down flat on your back.
Step 2: Turn to right side, resting your body on right arm and right leg. However, you can begin the pose from either right side or left side.
Step 3: While lying on the right side of your body, attempt to bring your right hand under your head by bending your right arm. Twist your hand in such a way that your hand's finger faces the chin.
Step 4: Stabilise your body in one perfect line. Ensure that it does not roll onto either side (forward or backward).
Step 5: Lift your left leg by bending it at the knee. With your left hand, take hold of your left toe.
Step 6: Slowly but steadily, try to lift your left leg by straightening it out. The ideal position should be towards the ceiling. However, if you are not able to take it towards the ceiling, try to bring it as close to it as possible.
Step 7: Remain in the position for about 15 to 30 seconds. In the meanwhile, ensure that the body is balanced on both sides.
Step 8: Exhale and come into your normal position.
Step 9: Repeat the pose with the other side of your body.
Use of Props in Sleeping Vishnu Pose or Anantasana
If you are not able to stretch your legs fully to the ceiling, then you can make use of a prop to bring it as close as possible to the desired position. The best thing to use as a prop would be a strap or a piece of cloth. Loop it around your foot and hold your leg with its help. However, do not attempt to pull your leg towards you.
Preparatory Poses for Sleeping Vishnu Pose
The following are preparatory poses for the sleeping Vishnu Pose:
* Gate Pose (Parighasana)
* Reclining Big Toe Pose (Supta Padangusthasana)
* Extended Triangle Pose (Utthita Trikonasana)
The pose can be followed by the Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana) pose.
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