In practising this asana, the spine is twisted in such athat the body forms a semicircular shape, hence this asar called 'Chakrasana'. It resembles a rainbow.
Step by step methods :
1. Lie flat on the back. 2. Draw the legs in till heels are close to the hips and the soles touch the ground, gap between the legs should be of four to six inches. 3. Bend arms at the elbows and place them on the ground on eh side of the head. 4. Raise the body from the waist to the hind part of the head as shown in the figures 2 and 3 and breathe in the normal way. 5. Tilt the head backwards as far as possible. 6. Keep the hands straight. Keep the body steady. Do not shift either the arms or the legs from their positions. 7. Raise the back as far as as it allows it to do. (See figure 4.)
8. Remain in this position for about a minute. 9. Then inhale and lower the body to the ground and bring it to the original position. Then breathe normally.
Benefits :
(1) Through this asana, an aspirant can make his spine quite elastic. Elasticity of the spine preserves youth for a very long time.
(2) This asana is an adjunct to Sarvangasana. When a long turn of Sarvangasana gives one a cramped neck or pain in the shoulders, a turn of Chakrasana helps to remove it. The reason is that the twist is on the backside.
(3) This asana has all the benefits of Dhanurasana, Shalabhasana and Bhujangasana.
