Holding the toes
with the hands, stretching them up to the ears, assuming the shape of a bow is
called Dhanurasan.
Note:-
The Hindi Edition of Hathapradipika
published from Kaivalyadhama, Lonavia (1980) quotes similar photograph given above,
while describing Dhanurasana. The words 'Padangusthau' and 'Panibhyam' of dual
number support the meaning given above. According to it, one has to bring both
the toes simultaneously upto the ear. Technique :-
1. Take prone lying position, legs together, hands straight by the side of
the thighs, chin resting on the ground.
2. Fold the legs at the knees
and bring them on the thighs. Knees must remain together.
3. Bring your
hands backward and hold the toes of respective legs from the thumb and forefinger
of the respective hands.
4. Raise your legs a little up and simultaneously
raise your head and chest.
5. Holding the toes, pull the legs towards
ears and bring the toes near the ear. Gaze in front.
6. While returning
to this original position, loosen your hands, take legs backward, let the thighs
touch the ground, leave the toes and ultimately bring the legs and hand to the
first position. Remember :-
1. Do not try to bring
the toes near ears forcefully if it is difficult.
2. Gradually increase
the practice.
3. It is desirable to practise simple Dhanurasana before
one resorts to practise above mentioned Dhanurasana.
Benefits and
Limitations.:-
1. It makes spine and back muscles flexible, removes
nervous weak-ness.
2. It helps in removing constipation and pitta disorders.
3. Those suffering from lumbar spondilitis should not practice it. | 