Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 3D doppelganger is back on Twitter with another yogasana. Every month, PM’s Twitter handle posts an animated video where Modiji’s 3D avatar performs an easy-to-perform asana in the run up for the fourth International Day of Yoga. In March it was Trikonasana and in April it was Padahastasana. This time, Modjiji’s doppelganger is back with Sethubandasana or the bridge pose.

The instructional video follows the format of the others before and offers a step-by-step breakdown of the yogasana Sethubandasana. The name of the asana is derived from ‘sethu’ and ‘bandana’, which means formation of a shape of bridge, which is why it is also known as the bridge pose. The asana is known to strengthen the muscles of the back and improve digestion and cardiac functions.

Follow the easy steps to perform sethubandasana:

1. Lie down on your back keeping a comfortable distance between your legs.

(Photo Credits: Twitter, PM Narendra Modi)
(Photo Credits: Twitter, PM Narendra Modi)

Place your hands next to your body, with the palms facing the ceiling.

2. Now join both your legs. Bend your legs and bring them close to your pelvis.

3. Hold your ankles firmly with your hands.

(Photo Credits: Twitte, PM Narendra Modi)

4. Breathe in slowly and lift your pelvis as much as possible in such a way that your body resembles the shape of a bridge.

(Photo Credits: Twitter, PM Narendra Modi)

5. Make sure your head and shoulders are on the floor and knees and legs are in one line. In this final pose, you can support your waist with your hands. Stay in this pose for 10-30 seconds while breathing in and out normally.

(Photo Credits: Twitter, PM Narendra Modi)

7. Release your breath slowly and bring your pelvis down on the floor. Come back to the shavasana pose.

(Photo Credits: Twitter, PM Narendra Modi)

Benefits of Sethubandasana

This easy-to-perform asana has a laundry list of health benefits:

• The video explains that sethubandasana helps in strengthening the lower back.

• It stretches the internal organs of the stomach, improving digestion and giving relief from constipation.

• It also helps improve cardiac functions.

• Improves blood circulation.

• Calms the mind, alleviates stress and depression.

• Relieves hypertension, osteoporosis and sinusitis.

Caution

Despite its many benefits, sethubandasan may not be right for people with certain underlying health conditions. The video warns people who suffer from ulcers, hernia and heart conditions against performing the asana. Even women who are pregnant should refrain from the asana.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 24, 2018 06:41 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).