Health Benefits of Natarajasana – The Lord of Dance Pose

Time and again, you find yourself wielding brickbats against your inability to completely and effectively balance work and play, leaving you as dull as Jack from the fabled proverb. Yoga is the fulcrum which provides a state of equilibrium in times when you find it hard to balance between your cumbersome routine, which is sprawled on your table, and mirthsome life, which is at arm’s reach. The innumerable health benefits that are consequently derived by practicing various Yoga postures have, in fact, provided humanity with a consolation to sustain its mental and physical stability during trying times for aeons now. This article discusses about Natarajasana, aka, The Lord of Dance Pose or King Dancer Pose.

Dancers Pose in Yoga

The name ‘Natarajasana’ (na-Tuh-Rah-Jah-sana) is derived from the combination of the Sanskrit words Nata (Dancer), Raja (King), and asana (posture or pose). In Hindu Mythology, Nataraja is a name given to Lord Shiva, for he used to perform a cosmic dance to rejuvenate his emotions, thus restoring balance in the universe. This posture mimics one of the dance poses of Lord Nataraja. Since the difficulty of variations of this posture ranges from intermediate to advanced, with conscientious practice, even a beginner Yogi can master the body balance that plays a key role.

Steps to perform Natarajasana – The Lord of Dance Pose:

1. Begin standing upright with your feet together and the arms by your sides like in Tadasana – The Mountain Pose
2. Breathe in and bow the right leg backwards, while extending your right hand to  hold the raised foot.
3. Find your balance and stretch your left arm frontwards.
4. Keep on raising the left arm upwardly till it is approximately 45 degrees from the floor.
5. Try to lift your right leg in a curve with the right hand as high as you can manage.
6. Hold your balance and maintain the pose, respiring gently through the nostrils.
7. Hold your gaze frozen just above the distance
8. Keeping account of your breaths, stay in Natarajasana for 30-40 seconds initially. You may increase the time to 1 minute as you gain experience through practice.
9. Gradually lower your leg as you return to the initial pose of Tadasana.
10. Repeat the asana for your left leg accordingly.
11. Practice this posture 5 times for each leg.

Health Benefits of Natarajasana – The Lord of Dance Pose:

•     This posture can assist in losing weight, as you tend to burn calories during practice.
•     It strengthens and stretches your ankles, legs, thighs, chest, abdomen, thorax, and hips.
•    This pose develops greater flexibility in your spine, shoulders, and hamstrings.
•     Practicing consistently improves your balance.
•     It acts as a great stress buster, calming your mind.
•     It greatly improves your digestive system.
•     You will find your concentration increasing in intensity.
•     A sense of invigoration is felt after practicing this posture, since it activates your entire body.