What is Pigeon pose (Kapotasana)?
The Kapotasana is most popularly known as the One-legged King Pigeon pose. It is an important yoga pose for those who want to maintain good health. Not only does this pose help you to be physically healthy, but it also makes you more mentally aware. The Pigeon pose is a fairly simple pose to follow and can be attempted by beginners and advanced practitioners alike. The pigeon pose facilitates the release of tension from the body.
The Kapotasana is named after the king pigeon, or Kapota. It involves bending your back and also allows you to open your shoulders. This in turn helps you to open your lungs and exercises your breathing system. You will be able to clear your lungs and strengthen them in this manner.
How to perform the Pigeon pose. To start this pose, kneel down keeping your back upright. Your knees should be slightly narrower than your hip width apart. While inhaling, tuck your chin toward your breast bone. Slowly bend your head and shoulders as far back as possible without pushing your hips forward. Squeeze your shoulder blades against your back so that your chest is lifted. Now gradually release your head and bring your palms in front of your chest.
Slowly stretch your hands over your head and backwards and attempt to touch the floor behind you. Your hips should automatically move forward to counterbalance the weight of your head and torso. Gently drop your head and torso back to meet your outstretched hands until your body forms an inverted U. Now slowly walk your hands towards your feet and attempt to grip your ankles with your hands. Gently make your forehead touch the floor by extending your neck. Inhale deeply to expand your chest and attempt to hold this pose for 30 seconds to a minute. Inhale and gently return to the starting posture.
The Pigeon pose has many beneficial effects on the entire body. It helps you to stretch and tone vital areas such as the chest, ribcage, and hip joints. It also helps to improve the functioning of the nervous system and metabolic functions of the body.
Precautions. You should ensure that you do rush yourself into this position as it takes you some time to be able to perform the pose without difficulties. You should allow your body to adapt itself to the Pigeon pose gradually through perseverance and repeated practice.
