भुजङ्गासन
Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)
The Sanskrit name is derived from Bhujanga (भुजंगा) meaning cobra or snake and āsana (आसन) meaning…
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Yoga poses for loss of motor function are gentle, supported moves that build strength, control and body awareness. They work best with medical guidance. This page lists safe poses by level, practice tips and warning signs. It does not replace medical care or therapy.
Understanding the Category
What Are Loss of Motor Function?
Loss of motor function means weak or hard to control muscles, often after a stroke or nerve injury. These poses use support such as walls, chairs and straps. They train muscle control and ease stiffness. They do not restore lost nerve function.
- * Rest: Savasana and Viparita Karani calm the body without effort.
- * Move: Supta Padangusthasana and Marjariasana practise slow, guided movement.
- * Stand: Tadasana and Virabhadrasana II use a wall or chair for safe support.
- * Sequence: start lying down. Move to standing poses with support and a helper.
Why Practice
Benefits of Loss of Motor Function
Muscle Control
Slow, guided poses train the muscles to respond. Steady practice builds control.
Strength
Supported poses build the muscles that still work. Stronger muscles help daily tasks.
Flexibility
Gentle stretches ease tight, stiff muscles. Looser limbs move with less effort.
Balance
Wall supported poses train steady balance. Better balance lowers the risk of a fall.
Body Awareness
Slow poses help you feel each limb. Better awareness guides every move.
Calm Breathing
Slow breathing calms the body and mind. Less tension may ease stiffness.
Suitability
Who Should Practice?
- People with mild weakness cleared by a doctor
- People in rehab with therapist approval
- People who have a helper and good support
- Beginners who want slow, gentle poses
- Anyone who wants more body awareness
Contraindications
Who Should Avoid Loss of Motor Function?
Safety Note: Always consult a qualified yoga teacher and your healthcare provider before practising if you have existing medical conditions, injuries, or are pregnant.
- Sudden weakness, face droop or slurred speech: get emergency help
- Sudden numbness or severe headache: get urgent care
- Pain that gets worse during or after practice
- Poses without a wall, chair or helper
- Forcing a weak limb into any pose
- Deep backbends and forced twists
- Inversions such as Headstand and Shoulderstand
- Dizziness or poor balance without support
By Level
Beginner Loss of Motor Function
- Savasana (Corpse Pose) Rests the body and calms the breath
- Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclined Bound Angle Pose) Opens the hips with full support
- Viparita Karani (Legs Up The Wall Pose) A calm rest that unloads the legs
- Dandasana (Staff Pose) Trains an upright seat with support
- Supta Padangusthasana (Reclining Posture) A guided leg stretch with a strap
By Level
Intermediate Loss of Motor Function
- Setubandhasana (Bridge Pose) Wakes up the glutes with a support block
- Marjariasana Gently moves the spine in a small range
- Tadasana (Mountain Pose) Builds a steady stance at a wall
- Virabhadrasana II (Warrior Pose 2) Builds leg strength with a chair or wall
By Level
Advanced Loss of Motor Function
- Vrikshasana (Tree Pose) Builds balance with a wall for support
- Ardha Chandrasana (Half Moon Pose) Builds balance and control at a wall
- Virabhadrasana III (Warrior Pose 3) Builds leg strength and a steady core
Anatomy
Muscles Worked
🧘
Core
Transversus abdominis, rectus abdominis
🧍
Back
Erector spinae, multifidus
🍑
Glutes
Gluteus maximus, gluteus medius
🦵
Thighs
Quadriceps, hamstrings
🤷
Shoulders
Deltoids, rotator cuff
👣
Feet and Ankles
Tibialis anterior, peroneals
Practice Tips
Tips for Safe Practice
- ✓Get your doctor's approval before you start
- ✓Work with your therapist or a trained teacher
- ✓Use a wall, chair or strap for support
- ✓Move slowly and stay within pain free limits
- ✓Hold each pose for 15 to 30 seconds
- ✓Rest for three easy breaths between poses
- ✓Practise with a helper nearby
- ✓Stop at once if weakness or dizziness grows
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can yoga restore motor function?
Yoga cannot restore lost nerve function. It may build strength, control and body awareness in the muscles that still work. Use it alongside your doctor's care and therapy.
Is yoga safe after a stroke or nerve injury?
Gentle, supported yoga is often suitable, but ask your doctor and therapist first. Use a wall, chair or strap, and practise with a helper. Stop if weakness, dizziness or pain grows.
Which poses are best?
Savasana, Supta Baddha Konasana, Viparita Karani and Supta Padangusthasana with a strap are gentle starting points. Add Tadasana at a wall when you feel steady.
Which poses should I avoid?
Avoid inversions, deep backbends, forced twists and any pose without support. Never force a weak limb into place. Skip any pose that causes pain or dizziness.
How often should I practise?
Practise 10 to 20 minutes, most days. Short, gentle sessions work better than long ones. Rest often and follow your therapist's plan.
When should I get urgent help?
Get emergency help for sudden weakness, face droop, slurred speech, sudden numbness or a severe headache. See a doctor if weakness grows or spreads. Yoga does not replace care.
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