Chakrasana

Chakrasana is an inverted asana and as such should be attempted after the mastery of  backward  bending  asanas. It is also effective in activating the solar plexus and the heart chakra. It is one of the 84 asanas taught by Lord Shiva and mentioned in the Hatha Ratnavali(1600 AD)

Getting into the posture :
Lie down on your back.
Bend your knees and bring  the heels as close to the hips as possible. 
The  feet and knees should be about 30cm apart.
Place both the palms on the floor beside your head in  such a way that fingers point inwards toward the shoulders. 
Take a deep inhale.
Now slowly raise your body,arch your back.
Retain the breath while lifting your body.
Move the hands in toward the body for more support. 
Breath normally. 
Straighten the arms and legs as much as possible and lift the head and trunk off the floor.
Let your head hang between straight arms.
Lift the heels and balance on the soles if possible.
Hold this position as long as comfortable. 
Exhale and slowly lower the body.
First lower the head and let it rest on the floor. Then lower the rest of the body. 
Practice upto 3 rounds.

Benefits :
Strengthens the legs.
Beneficial to the nervous, digestive, respiratory and glandular systems.
Influences the hormonal secretions.

Regulates menstrual disorders

Regulates Digestion

 Contraindications ;
Should not be practised by people with weak wrists ,weak back, or during  pregnancy.

Spondylitis

Therapeutic in;

Anxiety

 Asthma

Variations :

Eka pada Chakrasana- One leg is raised and lifted in the air.

Eka hasta chakrasana- One hand is lifted off the ground and placed on the thigh.

Settled in  Gurgaon for the last 3 years, Sumita is a yoga enthusiast. She firmly believes that each child is a born yogi.Has been practising yoga for the last 5-6 years in Bangalore and Gurgaon . she quit working once her daughter was born. Now she enjoys motherhood along with pursuing hobbies like light music,reading and cooking and of course doing  yoga.