Top 5 Health Benefits of Anjaneyasana Low Lunge Pose

According to Hindu Mythology, Anjaneyasana or Low Lunge Pose is believed to be the pose of Hanuman (aide of Ram in Ramayana). Hanuman was also known as ‘Anjaneya’ or son of ‘Anjani’. Sivananda yoga refers to this pose as the ‘Half Moon Pose’. It is believed that a person who practices this pose on a regular basis is bestowed with strong quadriceps, groin and a flexible hips as well as back.

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  Anjaneyasana (Low Lunge Pose)

It is always recommended to practice this asana in empty stomach and early in the morning. However, those who have time-issues can also practice the asana during evening time. 

So here we are listing five amazing benefits of Anjaneyasana and how to practice this pose of balance and strength.

Health Benefits of Low Lunge Pose

1. Stimulates Abdominal Organ

While performing the pose, the practice offers a good stretch to the body muscles, especially in the abdomen region. This massages the abdominal organs enhancing the functioning of both the digestive and reproductive system. Healthy digestion means getting rid of unnecessary bloating, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, etc. and also boost metabolism. On the other hand, a strong reproductive organ prevents the risk of infertility keeping overall health of a woman in good condition and provides all sexual benefits.  

2. Stretches the Body

The asana is known for providing a great stretch to the body, especially to the hips and hip flexors.  Stretching of the body improves flexibility, enhances joint motion, increases circulation, corrects posture, reduces stress and enhances coordination reducing the risk of injury. This also tones the body and keeps it energized. Anjaneyasana is also an amazing heart, shoulder, lung, and chest opening posture.

3. Build Awareness

Low Lunge Pose is known for building core strength which improves attention of the present moment, develops mental strength, builds focus and concentration, stabilizes emotions, enhances body and mind connection and makes you acknowledge your health issues. Awareness of the self is important and with the pose, you can easily bring it in.

4. Good for the Lower Back

Providing a gentle backbend, the pose helps you get a toned back, increases spine mobility, improves posture, alleviates back-neck pain, and increase body awareness. Anjanesasana proves to be therapeutic for sciatica and with the regular practice, relieves its pain in no time. It is also beneficial for the lower body and proves to be an awesome exercise for runners, cyclists, athletes and those who spend the day sitting.

5. Strengthen the Muscles

The pose supports body strength, balance, and works on enhancing it. Low Lunge pose is amazing for your muscles as it makes them strong, increases blood flow to muscles, reduces muscle soreness, and prevents the risk of injury. Anjaneyasana makes gluteus muscles and quadriceps stronger and toned. The pose also releases muscle tension, makes it flexible and soothes legs and hamstrings muscles to the core.

The asana is amazing but should be avoided by people with a knee injury, high blood pressure, and shoulder or neck problem.

How to Practice:

• Begin the pose by being in Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog) or on your feet and hands forming an inverted V.
• Once you get into the pose, breathe out and place the right foot in front of you just besides the right hand.
• Ensure that the right knee and ankle are in line, and then lower the left knee placing it on the floor behind the hips.
• Breathe in and lift the torso, and then raise the arms above the head in a way that the biceps should be placed next to your ears, and palms facing each other.
• Breathe out and now gently move your hands backward giving a slight arch to your back.
• Hold the pose for 20-30 seconds, release, come back to the starting pose, and repeat the same switching the legs.

Providing a good sense of balance, the pose allows a full range motion in the body. Anjaneyasana is a complete package, and if performed daily, it makes you feel refreshed and re-energized.