Archer Pose

Archer Pose

Dhanurasana is also known as  

Archer Pose or Shooting Bow Pose.  This posture resembles an archer about  to release an arrow from the bow. In Sanskrit,  ‘karna’ means ‘ear,’ ‘dhanur’ means ‘bow,’ and  ‘asana’ means ‘posture.’ The word ‘karna’ has ‘a’  as a prefix, which means ‘near’ or ‘towards.’ By  practising this posture regularly, we can improve  our concentration, which, in turn, can help us  find spiritual balance. 

Method  

•  Sit on the mat. Then stretch your legs out in  front of you, trying to keep your feet together. 

•  Slowly exhale, bend forward, and try to hold  

legs. 

•  Repeat the same steps with the other leg. 

Benefits 

•  Strengthens the leg muscles by improving  blood flow 

•  Improves digestion by stimulating the  internal organs 

•  Improves spine and hip flexibility •  Improves concentration 

Contraindications 

•  Pregnancy or menstruation 

•  Shoulder, hamstring, or knee injury, or  recent surgery