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 the Moon pose. On the other hand, that means hare, and ank means lap. Therefore, it is called a Hare pose or Rabbit pose. Shashankasana imitates the Hare or Rabbit pose in the final stage, hence named the 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 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 before 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, raise your arms and come to the original position.

Top 10 benefits of Shashankasana

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

1. Stress: This asana acts as a panacea for stress. It acts as a stress buster. Therefore, it is recommended that the pose should be performed religiously for those who have problems with stress, anxiety, anger, tension, etc. Also read: Yoga for stress
2. Back muscles: The practising of this asana provides suitable stretch to the back muscles, thereby releasing pressure on the disc and is good for the health of backache.
3. Sciatica: Stretching ensures separation among the individual vertebrae and makes it supple to the back, thus good for sciatica.
4. Back blood circulation: This yoga pose stretches the back muscles and removes sluggish and depleted blood, thereby increasing 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 rabbit pose correctly ensures the smooth flow of blood in the skull region and is effective in memory and concentration.
7. Sexual disorders: Those who are suffering from sexual disorders should perform it regularly. It strengthens the pelvic region, is 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 tranquillity 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 preventing greying of hair and hair fall, and is suitable 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.