Supta Vajrasana – Sleeping Thunderbolt Pose In Yoga

Supta Vajrasana in yoga also known as the sleeping thunderbolt pose is a beginners group pose mentioned in the book is a part of Relaxation Asanas mentioned in “Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha” by Swami Satyananda Saraswati  and is very beneficial for the reproductive as well as digestive organs and is also reasonably easy to perform. This is a part of the Vajrasana group of asanas. In this article, we’ll discuss how to do Supta Vajrasana, the benefits of Supta Vajrasana, precautions, breathing pattern while doing Supta Vajrasana, variations, and a note for practitioners.

How to do Supta Vajrasana – Sleeping Thunderbolt Pose In Yoga

• Sit in vajrasana (Read Vajrasana – Thunderbolt Pose In Yoga).
•  Slowly bend back, taking the support of first the right elbow and arm and then the left.
• Bring the top of the head to the ground, arching the back. Find the balance in this position, then place the hands on the thighs.
• Try to keep the knees in contact with the floor. If necessary, separate the knees. 
• Care should be taken not to strain the muscles and ligaments of the thighs and knees by forcing the knees to touch the ground in the final position. Close the eyes and relax the body.
• Breathe deeply and slowly in the final position.
• Return to the starting position by breathing in and taking the support of the elbows and arms to return to vajrasana.

Breathing pattern while doing Supta Vajrasana – Sleeping Thunderbolt Pose In Yoga

• Deep and slow.

Note: 

Follow supta vajrasana with a forward bending asana. The most convenient counterpose is shashankasana since it may be performed immediately from vajrasana without unnecessary body movement.

Precautions of Supta Vajrasana – Sleeping Thunderbolt Pose In Yoga

• This posture should not be practised by people suffering from neck problems, sciatica, slipped disc, sacral ailments or knee complaints.

Benefits of doing Supta Vajrasana – Sleeping Thunderbolt Pose In Yoga 

• This asana massages the abdominal organs, alleviat­ing digestive ailments and constipation. 
• It tones the spinal nerves, makes the back flexible, and realigns rounded shoulders. 
• The nerves in the neck and the thyroid gland are particularly influenced. 
• The chest is stretched and expanded to full capacity, filling the lungs and bringing more oxygen into the system. 
• It is beneficial for those suffering fi·om asthma, bronchitis, and other lung ailments. 
• It loosens up the legs in preparation for sitting in medit­ation asanas. It redirects sexual energy to the brain for spiritual purposes.

Practice note: 

• Never leave the final position by straightening the legs first, as this may dislocate the knee joints. Return to vajrasana first and then straighten the legs.

Variation: 

• The back of the head, instead of the top, is placed on the floor in the final position.
• Join the hands together and place them under the back of the head, or fold the arms comfortably above the head. Try to keep the knees on the floor.
• Close the eyes and relax the whole body.

Breathing pattern while doing Supta Vajrasana – Sleeping Thunderbolt Pose In Yoga Variation

• Deep and slow in the final position.

Benefits of doing Supta Vajrasana – Sleeping Thunderbolt Pose In Yoga Variation

• This is an important variation which intensifies the stretch of the abdominal region, without placing pressure on the neck.

Practice note:

• Never leave the final position by straightening the legs first, as this may dislocate the knee joints. Return to vajrasana first and then straighten the legs.

Note: The Sanskrit word supta means ‘sleeping’ and vajra refers to the nerve and energy pathway which connects the sexual organs to the brain.

This is meant to help all beginners in yoga with Supta Vajrasana - Sleeping Thunderbolt Pose In Yoga. We hope you found this article on Supta Vajrasana - Sleeping Thunderbolt Pose In Yoga useful. It is meant to explain how to do the Supta Vajrasana - Sleeping Thunderbolt Pose In Yoga easily, its benefits, and precautions.