This is a basic yoga posture. It is very easy to do especially if your back is not too stiff and rigid.

1. Turn over on the stomach and place the hands on the floor beside the pectoral muscles.
2. Place the hands, palms down, under the shoulders on the floor. Inhaling, without lifting the navel from the floor, raise the chest and head, arching the back. Obtain as complete a stretching of the body as possible.
3. Retain the breath, then exhale while slowly lowering to the floor. Rest, then repeat two to seven times.

You will note that this pose complements the Shoulder Stand and provides stretch to the spine in the opposite direction.

Time:

Keep the pose for two seconds, gradually increasing to ten seconds. Do it from two to seven times, adding one time every 14 days.

Benefits: Benefits:

1. Affects the adrenal glands, sending them a richer supply of blood.
2. Tones ovaries, uterus and liver.
3. Muscles of the back, abdomen and entire upper body are strengthened by the practice of the Cobra Pose.
4. Aids in relief and elimination of menstrual irregularities.
5. Relieves constipation.
6. Limbers spine.
7. People suffering from gas after meals will find this pose very useful.
8. Excellent for slipped discs. It adjusts displacements in the spinal column and tones the sympathetic nerves.
9. Beneficial for back ache due to overwork or long hours of standing.

Warning: Warning:

Not recommended if you are suffering from peptic ulcer, hernia or hyperthyroid.

When bending the body backwards, be sure not to make any violent jerks, as this may injure rigid muscles.