|
|
|
| Garudasana / Eagle Pose |
|
Overview
You’ve had a great day of skiing or hiking but your muscles, even your
bones are sore. Typically when we do a sport we enjoy we subconsciously
favor one side of our body. The result of a long day of this is that we
are a little sore and a little unbalanced. Garudasana is both a balance
asana and one that can help loosen your joints. Since you are physically
wrapping the left and right side of your body you are also creating
balance between the right and left hemispheres of your brain. Breath
throughout and try putting the tip of your tongue on your upper palate.
Preparation and Pose Tips
As with most poses, especially balance, be sure to do both sides of your
body (unless you like being unbalanced). Start by standing in a tall
Tadasana and raise your arms above your head, palms facing (photo prep 1).
On an exhale, swing your arms outward in a circle allowing your palms to
rotate so they face each other just at the bottom of the circle which is
down at your thighs. Your right elbow comes under your left elbow (photo
prep 2) and you swing your arms upwards getting to the point where your
palms are touching and your upper arms are at or slightly below shoulder
level. Your back, neck and head are straight. Now, to continue the
balance, you stabilize your left foot on your mat. Gently lift your right
leg, moving it over your left leg and wrapping your right foot around your
left calf. (photo Garudasana final). When you are done you can come out on
an inhale, the same way you came into the pose.
Benefits
Garudasana stretches your shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee and ankle
muscles as it helps you with balance.
Advanced or Partner
If you want to take the pose a little further you can sink down on your
left foot bending both knees as you move down. Then, take your head and
lower it to rest on your hands which are in front of your face.
Chakra
Garudasana is a sixth chakra (Ajna or third eye) pose.
Precautions
Pregnant women are advised to only do simple balance poses, such as
Vrksasana. Also, since a balance pose can actually be harder than it
looks, if you have a heart condition or high blood pressure be careful.
Timing
You can hold any balance for as long as you feel comfortable, but this one
is good for five to ten breaths. Don’t forget to keep breathing.
Recovery and Counterpose
Move slowly from simple versions of balance poses into more active
versions. On Garudasana you can simply shake out your arms and legs to
recover… do a little dance.
|
|
|