What Is Eagle Pose And Its Benefits

The Sanskrit name of Eagle pose is Garudasana. In Hindu mythology, Garuda is the king of birds and the vehicle of Lord Vishnu. This is also one of the standing poses which enhance your concentration.  It is one of the difficult poses and is sequentially practiced almost at the end of the standing poses.

This yoga pose is recommended for people suffering from stiffness of joints of upper and lower extremities and stiffness of spine. The Eagle Pose focuses on ankles, calves, thighs, hip and shoulder.

• Stand upright on a yoga mat.

• Bend the right knee slightly and place the left thigh over the right.

• Twist the left calf around the right so that the left big toe hooks around the    inner side of the right calf.

• Cross right elbow over the left, twist left forearm around the right so that the palms are in proximity and facing each other.

• Raise the arms to the shoulder level and straighten and stretch the back.

• Straighten right knee as much as possible.

• Maintain the pose and breathe normally.

• Exhale and return to the original pose.

• Repeat the pose with the opposite leg and arm in the front.  i.e.

• Bend the left knee slightly and twist the right leg over the left leg.

• Twist the right calf around the left so that the right big toe hooks around the inner side of the left calf.

• Cross the left elbow over the right, twist right forearm around the left so that the palms are in proximity facing each other.

• Raise arms to shoulder level and straighten and stretch the back.

• Straighten left knee as much as possible.

• Maintain the pose and return to the original pose.

If you have knee or hip injuries, refrain from doing The Eagle Pose. In case you have arm injuries, you can practice in a prayer pose which will not strain your arms and shoulders. A beginner can use a wall for supporting the back and maintaining balance. Since this is a difficult pose, it is better to learn it from a yoga teacher.

The Eagle Pose stretches and strengthens the muscles, tones the nerves, promotes suppleness of the legs. This yoga pose stretches the spine and improves coordination and balance. The Eagle pose loosens joints of both extremities, tones and strengthens upper and lower extremities. It improves digestion and circulation.  It also cures sciatica and rheumatism and reduces fat from hips and the abdominal region. This yoga pose helps in preventing cramps in the calf muscles. It also relieves stress. The Eagle pose also improves concentration, your sense of balance and makes you graceful.