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The ancient practice of Yoga is still popular all over the world because of the several benefits that are associated with it. Yoga can help improve your overall health and sense of well being; the best part is that the benefits are not just physical, but mental, emotional, spiritual and social as well. The Eagle Pose Yoga Asana is a yoga posture that is regularly performed by my most advanced yoga practitioners.
Eagle Pose Yoga Asana
The Eagle Pose Yoga asana is regarded as a balancing pose, which is mainly practiced to improve balance and flexibility. It is an advanced yoga pose, as it requires you to maintain your balance on one foot. The purpose of the Eagle Pose Yoga Garudasana is the keep your body in a single line, with your limbs, ankles and shoulders compressed. The Eagle Pose Exercise is good for people with diabetes and it also helps in digestion. In order to perform the Eagle Asana, you need to:
• Stand straight and join your hands, in the praying posture
• Bending your knees a little bit, lift your left foot and then wrap your left leg around the right leg in a way that the left shin is wrapped around the right calf and the toes of your left foot are pointing towards the toes
• You need to maintain the balance of your body, on the right foot
• Stretch both your arms straight ahead of you
• Cross your right arm over the left one and then bend both your elbows in a way that your forearms are perpendicular to the ground
• Press your palms together, while trying to maintain the balance on your right leg so that your body remains stable and steady
• Lift your elbows, stretching your fingers towards the ceiling
• Hold the position for a few seconds and then unwind your limbs
• Repeat all the steps with the other arm and leg
Practicing the Eagle Pose Yoga Asana in the incorrect way could lead to injuries and therefore, it should only be practiced under the guidance and supervision of a qualified Yoga expert.
Another pose that is great for stretching the hamstring and the back and it increasing flexibility is the Triangle Pose Yoga Asana. However, before practicing the Eagle Pose Yoga Asana as well as the Triangle Pose Yoga Asana, it is important to undergo a physical checkup and then get an approval from a doctor.
The Sanskrit word Garuda means eagle, hence the name of this yoga pose. According to Hindu mythology Garuda is the king of birds, he transports Lord Vishnu and is said to be eager to help humanity in its fight against daemons. The goal of the Eagle pose (Garudasana) is to compress everything together and keep it in one line – shoulders, hips, knees and ankles. This pose is intended to keep the practitioner alert, and help the mind to focus on one’s direction in life. Technique of Eagle pose - Start by standing with your feet slightly apart and the arms by your sides.
- Pull the left foot upwards bending your knee. Then wrap your left foot around the right leg and rest the back of your left thigh on your right thigh.
- Gently cross your arms at the elbows, right over the left.
- Join your palms together keeping your fingers pointed upwards.
- Keep breathing and hold the pose for a while.
- Exhale and return to the Tadasana, then repeat the pose on the opposite side.
- Hold the pose for as long as you are comfortable. 15 – 20 seconds is okay for early attempts; gradually increase the time span as you feel more comfortable. Repeat 3 – 4 times on each side.
Benefits of Eagle pose The Eagle pose (Garudasana) strengthens your legs, knees and ankles. It stretches and tones muscles of your leg and can helps relieve leg cramps. The Eagle pose (Garudasana) is specially intended to stretch and tone the muscles of your legs that grow weak from a sedentary lifestyle. It strengthens your ankles, your knees and your legs, loosening the joints of your arms and legs. It gets rid of stiffness in the shoulders and relieves neck tension. Practised diligently, over time, the Eagle posture enhances powers of concentration, your sense of balance and grace of your body. While the Eagle pose (Garudasana) is known to bring so many important benefits to a practitioner, there are certain health conditions in which this pose should not be done. 2 good reasons not to do the Eagle pose (Garudasana) are: - Knee injuries of any sort.
- Injured hip – stop this pose until healed then consult with your medical practitioner.
Note: In case of arm injuries, feel free to keep your hands in a prayer pose; this is done to avoid straining the shoulders and arms.
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