Yoga for beginners - part 7:
Locust posture (Salabhasana.)

“Salabha” = Locust
“Asana”  = Posture

“This is yet another position whose name is derived from the natural world. The final position resembles that of a locust alighted on the ground. In Yoga, the benefits of certain poses are increased when practised in conjunction with others. As with the Cobra, the Locust works the back area. While the Cobra is particularly helpful to stretch and relax the shoulder area as well as the lower spine, the Locust carries on from here and works primarily on the lower spine and gluteal muscles. It is very helpful to counteract lower back pain and can also assist in sciatica. If the chin is stretched forward on the mat (not pictured), the upper back in the cervical region is also worked.
   As with all back bends, care should be taken while coming into the position as well as coming out of it. If you have had any back problem or are unsure of whether you should practise, always consult with a medical professional first...”

Preparation
1 Lie on the front, feet together, toes pointing away, chin on the floor.
2 Make tight fists of the hands and place them in the groin.

Possible benefits:
• Helps digestion and can relieve wind.
• Can relieve pain in the sacral and lumbar regions.
• Works hamstrings.
• Is said to help keep the prostate and urinary tract, including the kidneys
 healthy.

Avoid:
• If you are pregnant.
• If you are recovering from a recent abdominal operation.
• If you are suffering from a back condition which could be aggravated by the
  posture.

The article contains details and image of the full posture, together with a modification.

Photos by M Uddin, Model: Rebecca Hussey. Clothing courtesy of Be Present Inc.