Laghu Vajrasana - Thunderbolt Yoga pose
How to:
- Begin with a kneeling position on the ground so that your thighs are at a 90 degree horizontal angle to the ground below.
- Now place your hands on the thighs as you bend yourself backwards. Slowly drop your head to the back so that your crown comes closer to ground. Once you make a contact to the ground, you will be in a deep backbend.
- Your thighs and buttocks should be pushing in the forward direction at this moment. Once you have gained stability in this pose, slide the hands downwards to touch the knees instead of thighs.
- Remain in this position from 30 to 60 seconds. When you want to come out from the pose, strengthen your core and slowly raise yourself back to the original position.
The Little Thunderbolt Pose has a lot of benefits to offer if it is practiced on a regular basis. Following are the major benefits you can experience if you add it to your daily yoga practice:
- Makes the spine more flexible.
- Opens and widens the throat, quadriceps and chest.
- Provides strength to the abdominal region.
- Stretches the back and spine.
- Improves posture and digestion process.
- Results in toning of limbs, pelvic organs and thighs.
For advanced students or yogis, the Little Thunderbolt Pose is a great yoga pose to fight many problems like sciatica, myalgia of legs (muscle cramps) and dyspepsia. Make sure you are breathing deeply and focusing on the pose while you are in the final position. To make it more effective, try to stay in the bend longer than suggested.
You should avoid this pose or ask your yoga teacher in case you suffer from the following conditions or problems:
Serious spine or back injury.
Neck injury
Feel empowered like a lightning bolt as you master the Little Thunderbolt Pose.
