Supta Virasana is a yoga pose that is also known as Reclined Hero Pose. It is a restorative pose that can be helpful for stretching the thighs, hips, and abdomen, as well as for improving digestion and breathing.
Here’s how to practice Supta Virasana:
- Begin by kneeling on your mat with your knees hip-width apart, and your feet pointing straight back.
- Bring your buttocks to your heels and sit on your heels.
- Place your hands on your thighs and lengthen your spine.
- Slowly lean back onto your forearms, and then onto your back.
- If your buttocks come up off your heels, use a folded blanket or bolster to support them.
- Extend your arms overhead and rest them on the floor above your head.
- Close your eyes and breathe deeply, holding the pose for 1-5 minutes.
- To come out of the pose, slowly roll onto one side and then push yourself up to a seated position.
Supta Virasana offers numerous benefits.
Some of the benefits of Supta Virasana include:
- Stretches the thighs and hips: SuptaVirasana is an excellent pose for stretching the thighs, quadriceps, and hips. It can help to relieve tension and tightness in these areas, which is especially helpful for people who sit for extended periods.
- Opens the chest and shoulders: The pose also helps to open the chest and shoulders, which can improve breathing and reduce tension in the upper body.
- Stimulates digestion: SuptaVirasana can help to stimulate digestion by compressing the abdominal area and massaging the internal organs.
- Relieves stress and anxiety: The pose can also help to calm the mind and reduce stress and anxiety. It is an excellent pose to practice before bed to promote relaxation and improve sleep.
- Improves posture: By stretching the thighs, hips, chest, and shoulders, SuptaVirasana can help to improve posture and alignment.
- Relieves menstrual discomfort: The pose can also help to relieve menstrual discomfort by improving blood flow to the pelvic region and reducing tension in the hips and lower back.