Written By: Tania Tarafdar | Published : January 18, 2017 4:57 PM IST
A Hindu expresses reverence to God or elders with a gesture called namaskaram. You must have seen people doing namaskaram before an idol or guru in a way that their body touches the ground. Sashtanga namaskaram is a type of namaskar where all the 'angas' or body parts touch the ground. It is the position where you lie flat on your stomach with your eight limbs touching the ground. But did you know that doing a sashtanga namaskaram can also have many benefits for your body?
Benefits-- According to yoga and Ayurveda expert Dr Nitasha Manikantan, sashtanga namaskaram improves the flexibility of the spine and strengthens the muscles of the legs and arms. It also increases flexibility in the legs and shoulders. The posture is also said to destroy your ego and keep you grounded. Did you know these incredible health benefits of surya namaskar?
To perform sashtanga namaskaram, you need to:
What is interesting about Sashtanga namaskaram is that usually, only men do it. Women are asked not to get in the prayer position as getting into it could get their breast and womb in contact with the floor. And as the breasts give nourishment to the foetus and the womb carries the foetus, the contact with the ground is best avoided. Women are supposed to do the panchanga namaskarm where they kneel down with their palms joined. You must pass on these 9 healthy habits to your kids.
Image source: Shutterstock Images
