Question

A corporate worker dealing with chronic lower back pain and spinal rigidity is advised to perform a corrective hatha yoga asana that involves lying prone and arching the upper torso backward like a raised cobra. Which of the following asanas matches this description?

• A. \( \text{Bhujangasana} \)
• B. \( \text{Paschimottanasana} \)
• C. \( \text{Pawanmuktasana} \)
• D. \( \text{Vajrasana} \)

Hint:

Link the Sanskrit root words to their English meanings to quickly identify poses on the exam: Bhujanga translates to Cobra, Pawan means wind, and Paschima refers to the back of the body.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept: Yoga asanas act as non-invasive corrective methods to manage modern lifestyle disorders like obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and back pain by improving joint mobility and core muscular strength.

Step 1: Analyze the physical biomechanics of the described pose.
Lying prone (flat on the stomach) and extending the upper torso backward creates a deep stretch along the anterior abdominal muscles while strengthening the erector spinae muscles of the lower back. This specific backward bending alignment is the characteristic trait of Bhujangasana (commonly known as the Cobra Pose).

Step 2: Contrast with alternative lifestyle asanas.

• Paschimottanasana: A seated forward bend that stretches the hamstrings and calves, running opposite to a prone backward extension.
• Pawanmuktasana: The gas-relieving pose performed supine (on the back) by drawing knees to the chest.