Breathe in deeply. Hold the breath and then raise the legs, arms, shoulders, head and trunk off the ground.
The shoulders and feet should be no more than 15 cm off the floor. Balance the body on the buttocks and keep the spine straight.
The arms should be held at the same level and in line with the toes. The hands should be open with the palms down. Look towards the toes.
Remain in the final position and hold the breath. Count to 5 mentally (or for longer if possible).
Return to the supine position and then breathe out. Be careful not to injure the back of the head while returning to the floor.
Relax the whole body.
This is one round.
Practise 3 to 5 rounds.
Relax in shavasana after each round, gently pushing out the abdomen with inhalation to relax the stomach muscles.
Breathing
Inhale before raising the body.
Retain the breath while raising, tensing and lowering the body.
Exhale in the supine position.
Awareness
On the movement, mental counting and tensing of the body (especially the abdominal muscles) in the final position, and the breath.
Benefits
This asana stimulates the muscular, digestive, circulatory, nervous and hormonal systems, tones all the organs and removes lethargy.
It is especially useful for eliminating nervous tension and bringing about deep relaxation. It may be performed before shavasana in order to attain a deeper state of relaxation.
If practised upon waking, it immediately restores freshness.
It is also useful for women preparing for childbearing and may be practised during the second trimester of pregnancy.