Through yoga one can maintain and balance life, physically and mentally.
One-Legged King Pigeon Pose II
One-Legged King Pigeon Pose II allows you to stretch the entire front body and deep into the hip flexors to strengthen your back and improve posture.
(A-kah pah-dah rah-jah-kah-poh-tahs-anna)
eka = one
pada = foot
raja = king
kapota = pigeon (or dove)
One-Legged King Pigeon Pose II: Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1
Sit in Dandasana (Staff Pose). Bend your right knee and place the foot on the floor just in front of the right sitting bone. The shin will be approximately perpendicular to the floor.
Step 2
Then shift slightly to the right and swing your left leg straight back behind the torso. Lay it on the floor fully extended, with the front of the leg (and top of the foot) on the floor.
Step 3
Bend your left knee and raise the shin approximately perpendicular to the floor. Your body weight will balance on the right foot and left knee (and thigh if you’re very flexible). To stabilize your position, push your right knee forward until it protrudes out slightly beyond the right toes.
Step 4
Inhale as you lift your right arm up and, bending the elbow, exhale and take the left foot. Then do the same with your left arm. Holding the foot firmly, lift your chest and drop your head back toward the sole of your left foot. Press your elbows toward the ceiling. Hold for about 15 to 30 seconds, breathing as smoothly as possible.
Step 5
Exhale and release the left foot and bring the leg back to the floor. Repeat steps 1 through 4 on the left side for the same length of time.
Pose Information
Sanskrit Name
Eka Pada Rajakapotasana II
Pose Level: 1
Contraindications and Cautions
High or low blood pressure
Migraine
Insomnia
Serious low back or neck injury
Preparatory Poses
Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)
Dhanurasana (Bow Pose)
Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (Bridge Pose)
Supta Virasana (Reclining Hero Pose)
Virasana (Hero Pose)
Urdhva Dhanurasana (Upward Bow or Wheel Pose)
Eka Pada Rajakapotasana I (One-Legged King Pigeon Pose I)
Follow-up Poses
Eka Pada Rajakapotasana III and IV (One-Legged King Pigeon Poses III and IV)
Rajakapotasana (King Pigeon Pose)
Beginner’s Tip
Performing the pose with your back shin pressed against a wall supporting your hands on a chair seat will help with balance.
Benefits
Stretches the entire front of the torso, the ankles, thighs and groins, abdomen and chest, and throat
Stretches the deep hip flexors (psoas)
Strengthens back muscles
Improves posture
Stimulates the organs of the abdomen and neck
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