Yoga Rabbit pose

The Yoga Rabbit pose aims at nourishing your neck and shoulders by increasing the circulation of blood towards the neck, brain and face. This pose has all the advantages of poses like the head stand (Shirashaashasana) and the hand stand (Vrikshashaasana) where you are in an upside down position. When you are in this pose you look quite like a rabbit, hence this pose is so named.

But those who suffer from spondylitis or any other neck related ailments will need to avoid doing this asana (pose). In any case, you would be well advised to consult your physician, before you proceed to do this pose. As this is a rather difficult pose to execute, you shall need to learn to do it under the guidance of a qualified yoga therapist.

Start from a kneeling position with your inner thighs pressed against your calf muscles. Place your legs in a way where your foot soles face upwards towards the ceiling and toes point away from you, with your toenails touching the mat.

Inhale, and place your palms flat on the mat. Lower your head to the mat, and rest the crown of your head on the mat. Use your hands to bring your head in position. This is a skillful move, as you will need to be careful not to sprain your neck. Tuck your chin towards your chest. You will need to walk your knees towards your face. Bring the knees as close as you can towards your face. Lift your hips to enable you to do this. Your back is now curved sharply.

When you are in this position, you can place your palms on your neck, with your thumbs on one side your shoulders and your fingers on the other side. Rub your thumbs back and forth to massage your neck. This also helps to activate the circulation of blood around the neck.

When you are learning to do this pose you may keep a folded blanket under your head and have a friend around to help you to maintain your balance when you come into this pose. Keep breathing slowly and consciously while you are in this pose.

In addition to massaging your neck, this pose also helps you to improve your digestion as your abdominal organs are compressed which leads to improvement in secretion. As in all other yoga exercises, you will need to do this pose on an empty stomach and do it early in the morning for best results.

Sources:

How to do a yoga camel pose and rabbit pose

http://www.wonderhowto.com/how-to-do-a-yoga-camel-pose-and-rabbit-pose-322860/

Rabbit Pose - Sasangasana

http://www.lexiyoga.com/poses/rabbit

Yoga Warm Up Exercises : Yoga Rabbit Pose

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDGgKf2g8kQ

Yoga Basic Pose - Rabbit Pose

http://yoga.ygoy.com/2010/06/07/yoga-basic-pose-rabbit-pose/

Yoga Flying Crow pose

The Yoga Flying crow pose is an acrobatic pose and should be attempted by those who want to pursue a career in gymnastics or acrobatics. Those who do yoga for keeping fit, can skip this asana (pose). This pose, which is also called the Galavasana, helps in giving comprehensive exercise to all parts of your body and it comprises steps that involve balancing, twisting, jumping, stretching. Apart from nourishing virtually all parts of your body, this pose also helps you to improve your ability to balance yourself in precarious positions.

Stand on the center of a yoga mat. Lift one leg (say your right leg) by bending it from the knee. Hold the upraised right foot with your hands and help to lift it up to the level of your waist. Make the foot horizontal by holding it sideways with your foot sole resting against your lower abdomen.

After you stabilize yourself in this position, you may let the knee of your upraised right foot drop down slightly as you turn your right foot sole to face upwards. Continue holding your right foot with your left hand. Bend down forward and lower your chest to your hips, as you rest your hands on the mat in front of you.

Bend your left leg from the knee and rest your torso on your left thigh. Now your right foot is under your left armpit, and the knee of your right leg is under your right armpit. The knee of your left leg is under your chest. After placing your right knee and your right foot under your armpits, rise up and lift your hips till you are on all fours.

Now comes the more difficult part. Shift your weight forward to your hands. Your palms rest on the floor. Use your arms as the lever as you lift your left foot off the floor and balance yourself only on your palms. Kick your left leg upwards up to a forty five degree angle.

As your leg moves up, slant your torso and lower your face slightly to the floor. Your outstretched left leg, and your back are aligned in a straight line. Hold on to this position for between three to five breaths and then in one momentum, release the right leg from under your left armpit and straighten it as you lower both your legs simultaneously to the floor.

After you do these steps successfully, you have executed the acrobatic flying crow pose.

Sources:

How to Galavasana ( Flying Crow Pose)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwZbjuQCwaY

Yoga Poses: Flying Crow Pose

http://yoga.families.com/blog/yoga-poses-flying-crow-pose

Flying Crow Pose - Yoga Journal Photo

http://community.yogajournal.com/_Flying-Crow-Pose/photo/1764255/25925.html

How to do a yoga flying crow pose arm balance

http://www.wonderhowto.com/how-to-do-yoga-flying-crow-pose-arm-balance-322792/