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Noukasana

Postures > Supine > Noukasana

Posture

In this asana the shape of the body looks like a yacht and hence it is called 'noukasana' ('yacht' in Sanskrit). There is another noukasana which is practiced in prone position. The difference between these two is in this supine noukasana muscles of abdomen and stomach are contracted and in the prone position noukasana the muscles are stretched.

Pre position

Supine position

Procedure

1. Exhale and inhaling, start raising both the legs upward and stop when they make angle of 45 degree with the floor.
2. Hold breathe, and in the same position raise the shoulders and the back. Hold the toes of the legs with both the hands.
3. Continue normal breathing.

Position

Keep the knees straight or else the expected pressure on the organs is not achieved. In this position it is always difficult to maintain the balance of the body but with practice one can achieve the steady posture. If initially you can't catch the toes then hold the legs at ankles but don't bend the legs in knees.

Releasing

1. Inhale and exhaling bring the hands to normal position releasing the toes.
2. Continue exhaling and slowly bring the legs to normal position.
3. Attain the supine position.

Duration

Due to the balance and strain involved in this asana, initially it is difficult to maintain it for long. One can practice it for up to 15 seconds after sufficient practice.

Internal effects

The size of the belly reduces due to the contraction of the abdomen from both the sides. Organs like lever, intestines, pancreas, kidneys etc. are pressurized which helps in improving the functioning.

Precaution

Though this asana is useful for abdomen problems, people who have been operated on abdomen should not do this asana.