Rishikul Yogshala Rishikesh

Want to Improve Spinal Flexibility? Try The Yoga Wheel Pose or Chakrasana!

Wheel pose-chakrasana

Introduction – Wheel Pose Yoga or Chakrasana

The deep backbend yoga pose known as chakrasana is one of the best yoga poses to increase spinal flexibility. It tightens your thighs, belly, and arms while opening up your chest. Your entire body will be involved in practicing it. The entire body seems to be a gorgeous rainbow while in the posture, and some expert yoga enthusiasts can even stand up straight after exiting it.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything that you need to know about this wonderful yoga pose: Wheel Yoga Pose or Chakrasana Posture.

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Yoga Wheel Pose Benefits

Chakrasana pose, also known as backbends, increases stamina, increases spinal mobility, elevates the chest and shoulders, improves breathing patterns, and may even have positive effects on blood sugar levels and adrenal functionality.

Let us learn some of the other benefits of Wheel Pose:

  • According to one study, including the Chakrasana pose and similar backbends in a yoga regimen makes the spine more flexible.
  • Wheel Pose and other Hatha yoga postures were practiced by survey participants to significantly increase their physical strength in just 12 weeks.
  • Practicing Wheel Pose might lower blood sugar levels for those with type 2 diabetes. Backbends were shown to lower hemoglobin A1c levels in diabetics.

How to Do The Wheel Pose Yoga Posture?

Want to take advantage of the benefits of Wheel Yoga? Simply, follow the steps given below to practice the Wheel Yoga Pose from the comfort of your home:

  1. Knees should be bent while lying on your back with your feet hip-width apart. Firmly press your feet into the ground.
  2. Place one hand on the yoga mat directly above each shoulder. Point your fingertips at your shoulders.
  3. Raise your hips and engage your inner thighs as you inhale.
  4. Put additional pressure on your feet. To lift your hips higher, move more of your weight onto your palms. Your gluteus maximus may relax now. It will safeguard your lower spine.
  5. Stretch your legs and arms as far as you can while being comfortable.
  6. Let your head hang in a relaxed, stable position to prevent neck discomfort.
  7. To lower yourself, gently tuck your chin, flex your elbows, and come back to the top of your head. Spine vertebra by vertebra, return to the mat.

Safety Precautions when Practicing Wheel Pose or Chakrasana Pos

Wheel Pose is an excellent way to activate your back muscles. However, there are certain restrictions to practicing this pose. It is advised to avoid this pose under the following circumstances:

  • Lower back issues
  • Shoulder injury
  • Pregnancy
  • Blood pressure issues
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Heart problems
  • Headaches

This stretch expands the heart and aids in letting go of grief and anxiety.

Modifications of the Wheel Pose or Chakrasana Pose

If Wheel Pose is difficult for you, there are some things you can do to adjust it according to your flexibility.

  • To adjust: Begin with Bridge Pose if you are a novice or have low spine flexibility.
  • To make it more challenging: Slowly bring your hands closer to your feet to up the difficulty. The wheel form rises as you put your hands and feet closer together. Make sure to keep putting pressure on your feet firmly. Continue to transfer your weight in support of your hands.

Final Words

Sometimes we focus on the appearance of a position when it would be best to concentrate on how it makes us feel.

You will only experience the advantages of this asna if you are constant in your practice. Practice its variants and strenuous asanas like Ardha Chandrasana to keep yourself interested.

Thankfully, there are variants and yoga props that may help make Chakrasana Pose more approachable while still keeping the practice fun and engaging.

Incorporating this pose into your practice can lead to significant improvements in overall well-being. For those interested in deepening their yoga journey, consider enrolling in a yoga teacher training program. Rishikul Yogshala, a leading Yoga school in Rishikesh, offers comprehensive courses like the 100 Hour Yoga Teacher Training In Rishikesh200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training In Rishikesh300 Hour Yoga Teacher Training In Rishikesh, and 500 Hour Yoga Teacher Training Rishikesh. These programs are designed to help you master your practice and share the transformative power of yoga with others.  

Wheel Pose – FAQs

1) What is wheel pose best for?

This is also known as backbends, increases stamina, increases spinal mobility, elevates the chest and shoulders, improves the breath, and may even have positive effects on blood sugar levels and adrenal functionality.

2) Why is wheel pose so difficult?

Chakrasana pose is challenging since it calls for mobility in the shoulders, spine, and complete front body as well as strength in the wrists, legs, and arms. Wheel posture may be accomplished and made easier by developing the necessary strength and flexibility.

3) Who should not Wheel Pose?

When practicing, one should take measures if they experience any neck or back pain while ending the posture. This position should not be done by pregnant women, those with glaucoma, or anyone who has migraines or vertigo.