[[File:Navasana.png|thumb|right|''Navasana'']]
Naukasana ("Boat Pose") is an asana. Variations include Paripurna Navasana (Sanskrit: परिपूर्णनावासन; IAST: paripūrṇanāvāsana "Full Boat Pose"), Ardha Navāsana (Sanskrit: अर्धनावासन "Half Boat Pose"), and ekapadanavasana ("one legged boat pose").
== Etymology Technique==# Lie flat on your back. Inhale and lift your legs up, bringing both your knees close to your chest.# Hold your big toes. Make sure your arms are pulled through the insides of your knees as you hold your toes. Gently open up your hips and widen your legs to deepen the stretch.# Tuck your chin into your chest and make sure your head is on the floor.# Press the tailbone and the sacrum down to the floor while you press your heels up, pulling back with your arms.# Press both the back of the neck and the shoulders down to the floor. The whole area of the back and the spine should be pressed flat on the floor.# Breathe normally and hold the pose for about 30 seconds to a minute.# Exhale and release your arms and legs. Lie on the floor for a few seconds before you move on to the next asana.<ref name="Technique"/>
The name comes from the Sanskrit words nava meaning "boat" and asana (आसन) meaning "posture" or "seat". In its literal translation, "Boat Pose", the body could be imagined to resemble a boat, entirely balanced on the buttocks.==Technique in pictures/animation==
== Description ==
==Effects==
* Releases lower back and sacrum
* Opens hips, inner thighs, and groin
* Stretches the hamstrings
* Relieves lower back pain
* Stretches and soothes the spine
* Calms the brain
* Helps relieve stress and fatigue<ref name="Effects"/>
The body comes into a V-shape, balancing entirely on the buttocks. In different variations and traditions, the arms legs and torso may take different positions. In Paripurna Navasana, the legs and back are lifted high and arms extend forward and parallel to the ground. In Arda Navasana, hands interlace behind the neck and both back and shoulders are closer to the ground.==Related Asanas==* [[Adho Mukha Svanasana]]
== Benefits Special requisites==It is essential to practice this pose correctly to avoid injury.
The * If you are suffering from a neck injury, it might be a good idea to use a thickly folded blanket to support the head. * You must ensure your spine is absolutely straight while practicing this asana to avoid any kind of injury. * Pregnant women and women who are menstruating must avoid practicing this asana. * People suffering from high blood pressure and knee injuries should also avoid this asana strengthens . ==Initial practice notes==* If you find it difficult to hold your feet, use a yoga strap by looping it around the abdominal musclesmiddle arch.* When you do this asana, you might let your tailbone arch towards the legs and the lower backceiling. Paripurna Navasana But you have to make sure your tailbone is said pressed to relieve stressthe floor. Only then, improve digestion and aid the lower abdominal organships flexibility will increase.<ref name="Initial practice notes"/> ==References== <references> <ref name="Technique">[http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/ananda-balasana-benefits/#HowToDoThisAsana "Methodology"]</ref> <ref name="Initial practice notes">[http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/ananda-balasana-benefits/#BeginnersTips "Beginers tips"]</ref> <ref name="Effects">[http: kidney, intestines, and prostate for men//www.cnyhealingarts. It can also stimulate com/2011/01/07/the thyroid-health-benefits-of-ananda-balasana-happy-baby-pose/ "Health benefits"]</ref> </references> ==External Links==* [https://www.epainassist.com/yoga/ananda-balasana-or-happy-baby-pose Ananda Balasana on epainassist.com]* [5https://www.rishikulyogshala.org/top-10-health-benefits-of-ananda-balasana-happy-baby-pose/ Ananda Balasana on rishikulyogshala.org] Ardha Navasana works * [http://www.yogicwayoflife.com/ananda-balasana-happy-baby-pose/ Ananda Balasana on the upper abdominal organs: pancreas, gall bladder, spleen and liveryogicwayoflife.com]
[[Category:Yoga]]
