Steps to do Makarasana or Crocodile Yoga Pose & Its Benefits

Makarasana or Crocodile Yoga Pose is a relaxation pose and is usually done after the yoga practice to relax the whole body.

The word Makarasana is derived from Sanskrit where “Makra” means “Crocodile” and “Asana” means “Posture” and hence the name Makarasana.

This pose is named Makarasana as it resembles resting crocodile in water. The major purpose of Makarasana or Crocodile Yoga Pose is to relieve the body of stress caused by other yogasanas.

Makarasana or Crocodile Yoga Pose can be used as a relaxation asana between different yogasanas or it can also be done when your body is stressed or if you are feeling very tired.

• To practice Makarasana or Crocodile yoga pose, lie flat on your belly on a yoga mat or on the ground.
• Cross both the arms under the head in such a way that both arms cross each other.
• Next step to do Makarasana or Crocodile Yoga Pose is to rest your forehead on the wrists of your hands.
• Close your eyes and let your whole body relax. Feel the stress leaving your body in Makarasana or Crocodile Yoga Pose.
• Relax your legs and open your legs a little such that you have little space between your legs.
• While inhaling deeply, press your belly on the ground.
• Keep still in this position for 6-8 constant breaths while practicing Makarasana or Crocodile Yoga Pose.
• With a long and deep exhalation, allow your body to relax on the ground.
• To release from Makarasana, slowly bring your feet together.
• While releasing Makarasana bring your palms under your shoulder and come in to child pose or come on your back.

• Makarasana or Crocodile Yoga Pose is beneficial for people with respiratory or lung related disorders like Asthma.
• It helps in disorders and stiffness of Spine thus making it supple.
• Makarasana or Crocodile Yoga Pose is also beneficial in stretching the muscles of legs and hips.
• Makarasana is a very beneficial pose for relaxation between or after the asanas.
• It is very helpful in treatment and relaxation for people with knee pain.
• Makarasana or Crocodile Yoga Pose is also very beneficial for people with back disorders like sciatica, spondilytis and slip disc.
• It is also very beneficial for people with cervical pain.
• Makarasana or Crocodile Yoga Pose is also very helpful to reduce stress and promotes good posture.
• It is also a very good asana for all spherical stretching of the body.
• Makarasana promotes blood circulation in the body and helps reduce anxiety.

• People with serious back and knee injuries should not try to perform this asana.
• People with neck pain or neck injuries should do it under guidance and they should use a folded cloth to support their neck during practicing Makarasana or Crocodile Yoga Pose.

• Always keep calm and try to forget everything while practicing asanas and that will help relieve stress and anxiety.
• You should never get up abruptly after you finish practice Makarasana or Crocodile Yoga Pose as it can cause a jerk in the back. Always support with your palms below the shoulder and get up or get into child pose before getting up.