Mayurasana

Peacock Pose

Asana: Mayurasana/Peacock.  Not to be confused with Pincha Mayurasana/Tail feathers of the Peacock.  This is a down and dirty pose, requiring as much trial, error and re-do as the Pincha Version.  What is it about these graceful Birds that demand we grow tough and resilient through arms, legs and back?

This Mayurasana begins on all fours, with hands inverted, fingers facing knees.  The baby fingers should touch.  Bend elbows, with forearms together, and suck Bandhas up so torso is pulled resting diaphragm on the elbows, and chest on back of upper arms.  One by one, extend the legs back, keep them together, strong and straight. On exhaling take body weight onto the wrists and hands, lifting legs off floor, if possible.  Stretch back and head forward until entire body is a plank of power, paralle to the floor. Try not to place any pressure on the ribs.  To come out of pose, lower head to floor, then the legs, then knees.  Release any wrist discomfort by doing hand rotations or stand on hands in Padhastasana.

Ps Don’t confuse this pose with Hamsasana/Swan-to be discussed next week.  The difference lies only in the position of the hands.

Health Notes: Clearly the abs are strengthened, circulating of blood to abdominal organs, thus improving digestion, helping cure stomach ailments, and spleen.  It releases stomach toxins, moving bowels,  helping with constipation,   It produces strong forearms, elbows and wrists. It strengthens back and legs, and it can help those with diabetes.

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