Your yoga guide: A twist of flexibility
This asana strengthens the wrists, the arms and the shoulders
Today, we will take a look at the Parivritta Eka Pada Koundinyasana. This twisting arm-balance pose is a derived version of Koundinyasana (named after sage Koundinya), wherein the strong twist initiated by the legs stimulates the digestive organs and rejuvenates the spine. The pose improves balance and focus as it engages the muscles of the body and helps the mind remain stable.
Procedure
- Get into Adho Mukha Svanasana (downward-facing dog pose).
- Lean forward and bring your right knee to rest behind the triceps of the left arm.
- Shift body weight forward by bending from the elbows.
- Maintain balance and further lean forward so the left foot comes off the ground.
- Extend the right knee so that it is straight in the final position. Fix gaze on one point.
- Hold the pose for 30-60 seconds, breathing normally.
- Come out of the pose by reversing the order of movements and repeat on the other side.
Benefits
- This asana strengthens the wrists, arms and shoulders.
- It improves the spine's flexibility and tones the abdominal muscles.
- It strengthens the abductor muscles in the leg that is extended backwards.
Caution
Those having any injury in their lower back, shoulders or wrists should avoid this pose.
Bharat Thakur guides you through practices that will connect you to the wisdom of the ancient Indian science of exercising.
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