The Sanskrit term ‘marjari’ means ‘cat’. The pose resembles the relaxed stretching of a cat and hence the name.
The pose, though simple, has immense benefits. Cat Pose balances the body and mind, improves focus and promotes mental ability and relaxes the mind.
The above-mentioned benefits are achieved when the body eliminates waste. Hence, proper functioning of kidneys is a must. Adrenal gland relaxes the mind, boosts immune power and energizes the body. Cat Pose promotes healthy function of kidney and adrenal gland. Performing the pose when the body or mind or both are tired, will help you experience immediate change in your state of mind.
Cats relax their body in this way after prolonged sleep or when dull. This helps with immediate supply of blood to muscles making the cats ready for their next move. The stretching also helps to eliminate waste thereby energizing the whole body. When performed as a pose, we experience the same benefits. Next comes the counter pose for Cat Pose.
Other Benefits of Cat Pose
- Strengthens the spine and back muscles
- Improves blood circulation
- Strengthens abdominal organs
- Regular practice of the pose calms the mind.
Instructions
Let us see how to do Cat Pose
- Go on fours. Your wrists should be aligned with your shoulders and your knees should be under your hips.
- Exhale as you tuck your abdomen towards your back.
- Tuck in your chin.
- Hold the pose for a few seconds.
Note
Cat Pose and Cow Pose are generally performed together as a sequence.
Place a blanket under your knees in case of knee pain.
Those with severe problems in wrists, knees and back should refrain from practicing the pose.
Those with severe neck pain can perform the pose keeping their neck straight.
