Relax and release stress and tension with Crocodile Pose…

Crocodile Pose (Makarasana) is a basic beginner yoga pose that is often used as a rest pose between more challenging prone poses such as Locust, Cobra, or Bow Pose. This is a great posture to relax in for a bit, as it relieves tension in the upper back, shoulders and neck. It is also thought to reduce stress and anxiety, promote better sleep, and regulate blood pressure.

There are a few different variations of this pose, most of which involve different positions of the arms. See the link below for some common variations.

Crocodile Pose is gentle enough to be safe for just about everyone, but pregnant women should avoid this pose after the first trimester.

Here’s how to do it, according to YogaBasics.com:

1. Lie on your belly, with the arms crossed under your head. Rest the forehead on the wrists of the hands.

2. Close the eyes and let your whole body relax into the floor.  Let the heels turn out and let the legs flop open.

3. Breathe deeply, pressing the belly down into the floor with each inhalation and hold for 6-10 breaths. With each exhalation allow your body to relax deeper into the floor.

4. To release: bring the palms under your shoulders and slowly press up into table or child pose or roll over onto your back.