Eka Pada Galavasana

Crossbow Balance

Asana:>Eka Pada Galavasana A great pose of strong polarity where we are tethered to earth, yet lift off and ‘fly high’ through the power of holding the center. You can come at this from Utkatasana, (or tripod headstand.) The easier is from Utkatasana:  Feet together, extend arms up, bend knees, lift Bandhas, lengthen back, drop tailbone. Now, lift R shin across L thigh, R knee opens to the side, flex R foot. You are in ‘Number 4.’  Reach both arms forward until hands are on the floor, elbows parallel. Bring the R shin across back of both elbows, (R toes pointing same direction as hands). Release your weight into the arms and begin to extend and lift L leg back. If this is too much, keep L leg bent and close to torso.  Release, by bringing feet to floor, or jump back into Chaturanga, or slowly tilt forward into Tripod Headstand, and lift both legs up.  Yogi’s choice.

Health Notes This pose is good for abdominal muscles, and it massages internal organs. It strengthens wrists, arms and neck, and as always, being up side down, or sideways, is an opportunity to change a POV.