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Astavakrasana

अष्टवक्रासन / Eight-Angle Pose

September 23, 2024

Table of Contents [Expand All]
Introduction to the Asana

The sanskrit name is derived from ashta (अष्ट) meaning eight, Vakra (वक्र) meaning curved or bent and asana (आसन) meaning posture or seat.


Benefits
  • Strengthens the core muscles, arms, back, wrists, shoulders and abdominal muscles.
  • Aligns the posture and builds body awareness.
  • Tones the inner thighs and lengthens the spine.
  • Help eliminate toxins from the body.
  • Contracts the pelvic floor muscles and stimulates the reproductive organs with the supply of fresh blood.
  • Helps in curing menstruation problems.
  • Develops nervous control.
  • Reverses the flow of Apana.
  • Directs the energy to the Manipura chakra.
  • Boosts energy in the body and fights fatigue.
  • Enhances body awareness, concentration and confidence.

Steps to perform the Asana: Astavakrasana
  • Stand on the floor with your feet about half a meter apart.
  • Bend the knees.
  • Place the right palm on the floor between the feet and the left palm a little in front of the left foot.
  • Place the right leg above the left arm.
  • Rest the thigh on the back of the right upper arm, just above the elbow.
  • Bring the left foot forward between the arms so that it lies close to the right foot
  • Lift both legs from the floor and interlock them by placing the left foot on the right ankle.
  • Stretch both legs to the right side.
  • Be sure that the right arm is between the thighs.
  • The right elbow should be slightly bent below the thighs.
  • The left upper arm should be straight.
  • Balance on the arms.
  • Bend the elbows, lower the trunk and head until they are parallel to the floor.

Common Misalignments / (Mistakes)
  • Not engaging the core effectively.
  • Not lifting their hips properly. Placing their hands too close to their hips when setting up for the pose.
  • Not maintaining stability through the pose.

Contraindication / Cautions
  • Avoid in case of injury of the shoulders, arms, wrists, neck, hips, knees, lower back, ankles, feet, or pelvis.
  • Avoid if suffering Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
  • Avoid in case of heart ailments and high blood pressure.
  • Avoid during pregnancy.
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