Bhujangasana – Bhujanga is sanskrit for serpent. In the United States Bujangasana is often referred to as Cobra. In this posture the yogi lies on the floor face down, pressing hands and pelvis into the floor, thus elevating the trunk. This position could be associated to a serpent preparing to strike. When practiced, the hands, pelvis, thighs, and the tops of the feet remain firmly planted on the ground. Practitioners elevate as if being drawn upward from the crown chakra.
Bhujangasana is incredibly beneficial for those with minor back injury. The posture reverses the daily spinal collapse almost all of us experience by way of activities like driving or sitting at a desk for extended periods of time. On the flip side, Bhujangasana is a great heart and chest opener. Anahata Chakra (the heart chakra) is the distribution point of prana and must be opened in order to move the healing pranic flow throughout the body. Regular practice of Bhujangasana tones the spine and opens the chest.
Urdhva Mukha Svanasana – Urdhva Mukha translates as upward facing mouth and 
Svana means dog. It is thought that the asana may look like a dog stretching with an upward facing face.
Practicing Up Dog is very similar to the practice of Cobra. The main difference is the elevation of the pelvis and thighs in Urdva Mukha Svanasana. The yogi lies down on the floor facing down and presses the entire body off the ground and onto the tops of the feet and the hands. The upper body and spine raise into an upright position. The gaze can either be straight forward or for a more complete opening experience up toward the sky.
The recipients of the benefits of a regular Up Dog practice include the pelvic region, the heart and chest, and the spine. Up Dog is great for easing a “stiff back.” In addition it can bring about relief to those suffering from sciatica or the discomfort of a prolapsed disc. The chest opening effect also improves overall circulation.
Please join us in the practice of heart opening postures like Cobra and Upward Facing Dog this February. Let the love into your life as you shine your heart at the world! Everyone could use a little more love. Enjoy this wonderful month of love and union. Practice peace and you will experience peace.
Namaste Y’all
