Chakki Chalanasana
churning the mill
Instructions
Sit with the legs stretched out in front of the body with the feet widely separated. Interlock the fingers of both hands and hold the arms out straight in front of the chest.
Keep the arms straight and horizontal throughout the practice; do not bend the elbows.
Bend forward as far as possible without straining. Imagine the action of churning a mill with an old-fashioned stone grinder.
Swivel to the right so that the hands pass above the right toes and as far to the right as possible without straining.
Lean back as far as possible on the backward swing.
Try to move the body from the waist. On the forward swing, bring the arms and hands to the left side, over the left toes and then back to the centre position.
One rotation is one round.
Practise 5 to 10 rounds clockwise and then the same number of rounds anti-clockwise.
Breathing
Inhale while leaning back.
Exhale while moving forward.
Awareness
On the movement and sensations in the lower back, hips and pelvic area, and the breath.
Benefits
This asana is excellent for toning the nerves and organs of the pelvis and abdomen.
It is very useful for regulating the menstrual cycle and may be performed during the first three months of pregnancy.
It is also an excellent exercise for postnatal recovery.