Chakrasana

CHAKRASANA 

Chakrasana / Wheel-Pose Cues

Chakrasana, also known as the wheel pose, is an advanced yoga posture that requires a lot of strength and flexibility. Here are some cues that can help you perform the pose safely and effectively:

1. Begin by lying on your back with your knees bent and your feet hip-distance apart.
2. Place your hands on the floor beside your ears, fingers pointing towards your shoulders.
3. Press your hands and feet firmly into the ground and lift your hips up towards the ceiling.
4. Push down through your hands and feet and lift your chest up towards the sky.
5. Keep your elbows parallel to each other and your shoulders away from your ears.
6. Engage your core muscles to support your spine.
7. Keep your neck relaxed and gaze towards the sky.
8. Hold the pose for a few breaths and then slowly release back down to the ground.

Remember to approach this pose with caution and only attempt it if you have sufficient experience with yoga and a warm-up routine. Always listen to your body and avoid pushing yourself beyond your limits.

Chakrasana / Wheel Pose Benefits

1. Improves spinal flexibility: Chakrasana stretches and strengthens the entire spine, improving flexibility and relieving back pain.
2. Strengthens the arms and shoulders: This pose requires strong arms and shoulders to lift the body off the ground and hold the posture.
3. Opens up the chest and lungs: Chakrasana opens up the chest and lungs, improving respiratory function and increasing lung capacity.
4. Stimulates the thyroid and pituitary glands: This posture stimulates the thyroid and pituitary glands, which helps regulate metabolism and hormones.
5. Increases circulation: Chakrasana increases blood flow to the entire body, improving circulation and oxygenation of the cells.
6. Relieves stress and anxiety: This pose helps to calm the mind and reduce stress and anxiety.
7. Boosts energy and vitality: Chakrasana helps to increase energy levels and improve overall vitality.

Overall, chakrasana is an excellent pose for promoting physical and mental well-being, improving overall health, and enhancing overall quality of life.

Chakrasana / Wheel Pose Contraindications

We continue sharing more asanas and their benefits, but it’s also important to know the contraindications and the counter pose…

Chakrasana is considered an advanced posture and also is known as an inverted pose for the implications that it has in blood circulation and the nervous system. 

IMPORTANT

The most beneficial poses in yoga are often the ones with the most risks. As such, what really makes them advanced is not so much the physical requirements, but the level of care you should take when doing them.

• It may be best to stick to one of the above-listed variations if you’re experiencing any of the following:
• lower back pain
• carpal tunnel syndrome
• high blood pressure
• shoulder injuries or instability, like a history of dislocation

Please note that deep backbends, or any poses with excessive spinal extension, are generally contraindicated after the second trimester of pregnancy.

The best counter poses are:

• Child pose (Balasana)
• General forward bending like halasana, sarvangasana (which apply a tight forward lock on the neck)

So enjoy the practice of this asana and remember always warm up your body and prepare it for the performance of this kind of advanced asana.