CHAKRASANA
(Sri Swami Chidananda)

TECHNIQUE
Lie down on your back. Bend the legs at the knees and place the soles on the ground near the buttocks. Place the palms by the side of your head, fingers pointing towards the body. Slowly raise the body up by resting on the hands and feet, thus making a curve of your spine. Retain the posture for five seconds, and gradually increase the duration to one or two minutes. Concentrate on spine with normal breathing.
BENEFITS
All the benefits of Salabha, Bhujanga and Dhanurasanas are derived from this Asana. All parts of the body are given proper exercise during this posture.
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Ordinary physical exercises develop the superficial muscles of the body only. One can become a Sandow with a beautiful physique. But, Asanas are intended for the thorough exercise of the internal organs, viz., the liver, spleen, pancreas, intestines, heart, lungs, brain, and the important ductless glands of the body. Asanas tone the internal organs and vitalise the thyroid and other endocrine glands which play a very important part in maintaining health. Physical exercise draw the Prana out. Asanas send the Prana in and distribute it quite evenly throughout the body and different systems. Asanas are not mere physical exercise alone. They are something more than that. They bestow mental poise. They help you in controlling the emotions. They confer spiritual benefits.
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