Rabbit pose - Sasangasana

Rabbit pose is an energising asana by bringing a fresh supply of blood and oxygen to the brain. It provides flexibility to the cervical spine and massages the digestive organs.

1. Start on your hands and knees and place a folded blanket in front of your knees, with a small gap in between. (you can also place a blanket under the knees to provide the joints some cushioning)
2. Slowly bring the crown of your head down to the blanket without moving lower body
3. Bring your arms on either side of your body and your hands to the soles of your feet.
4. Stay in this pose for 2-3 deep breaths and gently release the hands to rest on the mat on either side of your shoulder and slowly bring head up. Stay there for two deep breaths and then release the pose.

 
Advanced option:
For a more intense stretch, bring your arms together at the lower back, clasp your fingers together and lift your arms up as far as you can without placing any pressure or strain on your back or arms.
 
Physical benefits:
Provides flexibility to the spine, especially the cervical spine
Massages the digestive organs
Stretches the arms, back and shoulders
Improves digestion
 
Mental benefits:
Energising effect
Releases nervous tension, stress, anxiety and fatigue
 
Contraindications: (consult this pose with your general medical practitioner if you have the following)
Colds/the flu
Eye infections/ or any kind of infections from the shoulders up
High blood pressure
Injury to the knees, spine and shoulders

Rabbit pose is ideal to do in the morning as it provide an energising effect to the mind and relaxes the nervous system. A good pose to follow from this is extended puppy pose, going into a deeper stretch for the shoulders. 
*As this is considered an inversion pose by bringing the head down, always ensure you get out of the pose very gently. Do not rush out of the pose and get all the way up.