What is Salabhasana?
Locust pose. One of the floor-based “baby backbends”. In this asana, lift is learnt from the floor, going against gravity. The body takes on a curved shape in Salabhasana by extending the arms and legs backward, and lifting the legs and chest away from the floor. The muscles of the back body become toned and strengthened as the back of the legs learn to stay open and full whilst lifting up off the floor.
When to use Salabhasana?
As with all the backbends, Salabhasana is beneficial to the spine, strengthening the paraspinal muscles, and bringing space to the vertebrae along the full length of the spinal column. The opening of the chest brings energy and a sense of optimism. Backbends in general are often used to combat depression and bring a sense of courage.
Working with Salabasana is a useful preparation for later backbending asanas. It teaches how to lift against gravity, and it safely and thoroughly prepares and strengthens the muscles of the back body in readiness for deeper backbends.
