Challenge your flexibility & balance with a deep stretch in Bound One-Legged King Pigeon Pose I…
Bound One-Legged King Pigeon Pose I (Baddha Eka Pada Raja Kapotasana I) is an advanced-level seated yoga pose that combines a back bend with an intense stretch for the hips and legs. As a variation on One-Legged King Pigeon Pose, this pose offers similar benefits, but as a bound pose, it adds a deeper stretch for the arms and shoulders. Traditionally, this pose is thought to stimulate the Throat and Third Eye chakras for communication and clarity.
Before performing this pose, you should be comfortable with One-Legged King Pigeon Pose and be able to perform it without any modifications. This pose requires quite a bit of flexibility, so be sure you are fully warmed up before attempting this variation.
How to Do Bound One-Legged King Pigeon Pose I:
1.) Once you are fully warmed up with some hip-opening poses and back bends, move into One-Legged King Pigeon Pose I, holding the left foot behind your head with both hands. (See instructions here.)
2.) Remain in the pose for several breaths, letting your body settle into the stretch. Once you feel relaxed and balanced, release the right arm, and wrap it around your lower back and across to the left hip, grasping the toes of your right foot. Breathe here for a few gentle breaths.
3.) Release the bind, placing your free hand on the mat in front of you, then slowly release the toes of the raised foot. Bring both palms onto the mat in front of you, and press up into Downward Facing Dog. Breath here for a few moments, allowing your body to realign.
4.) Bring your left knee forward, then come down into Pigeon Pose. Progress into One-Legged King Pigeon Pose I with the right foot behind the head, and move into the bind.
5.) After releasing, hold in Downward Facing Dog for a few breaths, then rest in Child’s Pose.
Featured Image from MrYoga.com.
