Shashankasana (Rabbit Pose) Steps, Benefits and Precautions

Shashankasana meaning

The word Shashankasana has been derived from the Sanskrit word Shashank means ‘moon’. Hence, it is named as Moon pose. On the other hand, shash means hare and ank means lap, therefore, it is called as Hare pose or Rabbit pose. Shashankasana imitates Hare pose or Rabbit pose in the final stage, hence named as hare. Shashankasana or moon pose indicates calmness therefore it is one of the best yoga poses to control anger, tension, anxiety, and stress. Rabbit pose has other benefits too including some precautions.

Different names of Shashankasana

• Shashankasana
• Moon Pose
• Rabbit Pose
• Hare pose

Shashankasana steps-how to do rabbit pose

• Sit in Vajrasana.
• Straighten the back.
• Inhale and slowly raise the arms, keeping them straight.
• Now, exhale and bend forwards.
• The arms, trunk, and head should remain in one line.
• The forehead and arms should rest on the floor in front of the knees.
• Relax the whole body.
• Inhale and exhale slowly.
• Inhale and raise your arms up and slowly bring it down.

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Shashankasana breathing

• Inhale while raising the arms.
• Exhale bends forwards.
• Breathing should be deep and slow in the final position.
• Now, inhale and raise your arms and come to the original position.

Top 10 benefits of Shashankasana

Shashankasana is a very simple asana with so many important benefits.

1. Stress: This asana acts like as a panacea for stress. It acts as a stress buster. Therefore, it is recommended that the pose should be performed religiously who has the problems of stress, anxiety, anger, tension, etc. Also read: Yoga for stress
2. Back muscles: The practicing of this asana provides suitable stretch to the back muscles thereby releases pressure on the disc and good for the heath of backache.
3. Sciatica: Stretching, ensures separation among the individual vertebrae and makes supple to the back thus good for sciatica.
4. Back blood circulation: This yoga pose gives stretching to the back muscles, removes sluggish and depleted blood thereby increases the fresh flow of blood in the region.
5. Massage to abdominal organs: It provides suitable massage to the abdominal organs and helps to prevent constipation and indigestion.
6. Memory: Practicing of rabbit pose properly, ensures the smooth flow of blood in the skull region and effective in memory and concentration.
7. Sexual disorders: Those who are suffering from sexual disorders, should perform it regularly. It strengthens the pelvic region, good for women, and alleviates sexual disorders.
8. Relaxation: This is one of the few yoga poses, which brings quick relaxation and induces calmness and tranquility by regulating the adrenal glands.
9. Kidney: It helps to improve the function of the kidney, liver, and visceral organs.
10. Strengthens pelvic: It is good for the health of the pelvic region.

Shashankasana precautions and contradictions

• Backache
• Knee pain
• Migraine
• Abdominal injury

Shashankasana preparatory pose

• Dandasana
• Vajrasana
• Stretching yoga

Shashankasana follow up pose

• Supt Vajrasana
• Shavasana
• Stick asana

Important facts about Shashankasana

• Level: Basic
• Duration: 10 seconds to 3 minutes
• Stretches: Back, pelvis, arms, thighs, abdomen
• Strength: Back, Legs, pelvis, digestive system, sexual organs
• Shashankasana is good for hair as it helps to regulate the flow of blood into the hair follicle thus prevents graying of hair, hair fall, and good for hair health.
• Facial glow: It also helps to enhance facial glow by increasing blood flow in the face region.
• Weight loss: It gives appropriate stretching to the abdominal region against the thighs. The regular practice of the pose is good for belly fat burning.