by Shareeza SS Faruqui
One of the first asanas taught to students at Maya Yoga Samudraa is the Majarasana or the Cat Stretch. The spine is the framework of our body. This should be an indication of the importance that the sage’s attributed to this region of the body. Modern osteopathy and chiropractic both accredit the health of the spine as one of the dominant factors for overall health. Spinal health is of paramount importance in yoga, both for the maintenance of good health and to enable the yogi to practise many of the pranayama and meditation techniques available.
Why is this asana called the Majarasana or the Cat Stretch you might ask? Well, look at a cat. It spends most of its time sleeping and eating. Wish we could spend most of our time that way too! It’s hardly exercises, except for a few burst of energetic running once in a while. However, one of the things you can see a cat do (when it’s not sleeping or eating!), is stretching! A cat stretches all the time. It keeps its spine in extremely good condition. Drop a cat from a high place and you’ll see how this comes in handy. No matter what, a cat can always land on its 4 feet! The Majarasana or the Cat Stretch works on the spinal column to keep it healthy.
1. To perform the Majarasana or Cat Stretch, kneel down on all fours. Make sure your hands are in line with your shoulders. Open up your knees. Make sure your knees are in line with your hips. Drop your back and look up.
2. Exhale and arch your back upwards, pressing your chin to your throat. Suck your stomach in. Hold this asana for a few seconds.
3. When you can’t hold your breath any longer, inhale, drop your back and look up.
Remember to keep your hands firmly rooted to the floor. Place your palms face down, flat and keep your fingers close together. Move only your back. Your elbows should be kept straight and not bent. Your hips should not move too.
The Majarasana or the Cat Stretch is an excellent asana to relieve any type of lower back pain. You are expanding and contracting every part of the spinal column. This movement gives maximum elasticity to the spine, thus keeping it healthy. It also relieves stiff shoulders. An added bonus of this asana is that it keeps your stomach muscles tones and is great to keep those love handles away.
Make the Majarasana or the Cat Stretch part of your daily exercise routine to keep your spine healthy. To quote Bob Harper (Biggest Loser Trainer) “Yoga is the fountain of youth. You’re only as young as your spine is flexible”.
