Posted: July 3, 2018
Crocodile Pose — Makarasana (Mah-car-ah-SUN-uh) — is a deeply restorative posture that is part of the Padma Sadhana sequence. Crocodile pose relaxes the entire nervous system and is an excellent posture to use in between back strengthening poses. It gets its name from the Sanskrit words, Makara, meaning crocodile, and asana, meaning pose.
Level of Difficulty: Beginner
Step-by-Step Instructions
Lie on your stomach.
Bend your right leg, creating a 45 degree angle with your thigh and calf.
Allow your left leg to lie straight behind you.
Place your left cheek on your mat and gaze to the right.
Place your hands underneath your left cheek, creating a pillow.
Rest in this pose for up to 15 minutes. Breathe deeply.
Benefits
- Provides deep relaxation
- Releases tension in the back
- Relieves stress
Precautions
- Pregnancy
Modifications and Variations
- To modify: If you have knee issues, lie with both legs straight behind you.
Preparatory Poses and Follow up Poses
- Padma Sadhana
- Cobra Pose | Bhujangasana (Preparatory)
- Locust Pose | Shalabasana (Preparatory)
- Superman Pose | Viparita Shalabasana (Preparatory)
- Child’s Pose | Balasana (Follow-up)
- Savasana | Corpse Pose (Follow-up)
Browse our entire yoga poses library and learn more about each yoga pose in detail.
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