Heat your belly with Naukasana… and a little extra

Naukasana- Boat Pose

I am sure that you have shared the “Ohh god, not again” experience much like I did when i first started practicing boat pose. The picture is still clear….. My guru sitting on his dais, shaking his head in pleasure as he would begin to extend his legs out in front of him proclaiming “Naukasana”! for the 10th time that class.

Regardless of  the sweat on my brow and the shaking that in sued, I grew to appreciate the power of polishing my spirit through this challenge. And now as most of you would know, I take just as much pleasure teaching Naukasana as my guru did.

Naukasana is a wonderful stress reliever, it builds heat and Agni in the body removing lethargy and nervous tension. By working your “Core” it also helps to cultivate balance, strength and stamina.

When we practice boat pose many uncomfortable sensations such as heat and pain arise, we find ourselves in this new, unchartered territory of “sitting” in this confronting space. This is what I call the golden moment ….. the beauty of this potent moment is that we have the opportunity to emotionally witness and surrender our doubts whilst remaining physically still and un- perturbed. Personally this practice has aided me enormously in cultivating will power, strength, grace and lucidity even in times of adversity.

Boat Posing………I thought you would appreciate a wee tour of India whilst exploring its Asanas ..

Most Talented Photographer : Cale Glendening

Benefits

Anatomical             

• Strengthens hip flexors & Abdominals
• Lengthen Hamstrings and lumbar
• Improves spinal posture
• Opens lungs
• Reduces body fat
• Increases core control

 Physiological/ Energetic          

• Increases Vital energy
• Improves function of metabolism (agni)
• Balances  Manipura/ Naval
• Improves blood Circulation
• Builds Confidence.
• Tones Kidneys, Spleen and Prostate

Alignment / Execution

• Sit with Knees bent and take hold of thighs. Tilt the toro backward to a 45 degree angle and balance on buttocks
• When calfs are parallel to the floor, this is called little boat pose.
• Notice that you keep abdominals engaged.
• When in little boat pose begin to straighten legs &extend arms to that your fingers are reaching towards your ankles.
• Lift upper chest and draw in abdominals, rotate thighs internally and squeeze them together.

Variations

• Little Boat pose ( bent knee)
• Dynamic v sit ( Holding ankle)
• With Kapalabhati

Preparational Poses

Little boat, Pashimottanasana.