9 Benefits of doing Hanumanasana

Hanumanasana is also known as Monkey Pose or Full Monkey Pose, is a seated pose asana in modern exercise. The name Hanumanasana is derived from the Sanskrit words hanuman means a divine entity in Hinduism who resembles a monkey and asana means a posture. Hanumanasana is basically an advanced pose which can be approached from a kneeling posture to stretching of one leg forward and the other leg at the back by supporting the body on the hands. The hands will be placed in Anjali mudra or a prayer position. The arms will be stretched together, followed by joining both the hands. Hanumanasana requires the steps to be followed many times each day to reach the appropriate posture. Stretch of the inguinal region, thigh, and hamstring is possible due to Hanumanasana.

Hanuman means Lord hanuman, Purna means Full, and Asana means Pose. Hanuman, the divine monkey, is the son of the wind, Vayu, and a vanara woman. It personifies strength and bravery; Hanumanasana gives physical, mental, and energetic benefits to the body. Lanka’s battle was very prominent when Hanuman jumped from the shores of the southern tip of India to the island of Sri Lanka. He made a sandy fly by a full stretch of his powerful legs. 

Steps of doing Hanumanasana

Always consult your doctor or medical practitioner before doing an exercise. Following steps are required to be followed:

1. Start by kneeling on the ground with knees a little apart. Place your right foot forward and raise the inner sole as only the outer heel touches the floor.
2. Exhale and bend your torso forward and bring your fingertips to touch the floor.
3. Then move your left knee backward slowly, and slide your right knee forward as it touches the floor.
4. Slide your left foot backward and right foot forward.
5. The right foot’s toes must be in an upward direction, and the front of the left foot should be touching the floor.
6. Raise your arms and join your palms. Stretch your arms and arc your back a little bit.
7. Remain in the position for a few minutes and then relax your back.
8. Release the Pose by shifting body weight on the nads by pressing them on the floor.

Benefits of doing Hanumanasana

One can reap the following under mentioned benefits by practicing Hanumanasana regularly:

1. Hanumanasana helps in stretches and strengthens muscles in the hamstring. Thigh and groin region.
2. It helps in stimulating the abdominal organs and improves their functioning also.
3. Increases the flexibility of the hip area.
4. It makes the body and mind both healthy.
5. It is a gentle back extension and hip opener.
6. It helps in the extension of the lungs and chest.
7. Provides Stretching of the arms and shoulders.
8. Provides positive energy and mental satisfaction.
9. This Pose has many medical benefits to the body and mind; if practiced regularly.

Avoid the Hanumanasana if you are suffering from shoulder, legs, hamstring, groin region injuries. Do not try to force yourself to enter into the full Pose by an excess stretch. Do it at ease in the starting phase; once you are used to it, it will seem more manageable and beneficial.