Challenge your strength & balance with One-Legged Stretched Out Scorpion Pose…
One-Legged Stretched Out Scorpion Pose (Eka Pada Paripurna Vrishchikasana) is an advanced-level yoga pose with a number of benefits. This pose combines an inversion with a back bend for a truly challenging experience, and should only be attempted by advanced yoga practitioners. As with most inversion poses, this one is best learned under the tutelage of an experienced yoga instructor. You will need strength, balance, and flexibility for this pose, as well as a dash of courage!
One-Legged Stretched Out Scorpion Pose helps to strengthen the core, shoulders, arms, and back muscles, while increasing spinal flexibility, improving posture, and opening the chest. This heart-opening pose is thought to stimulate the Heart Chakra, as well as the Throat and Third Eye Chakras. It also improves balance and focus, and may help to develop self confidence.
Those new to the pose may wish to practice near a wall, resting the foot of the outstretched leg against the wall for support. For an even more advanced challenge, try the pose in a handstand rather than a forearm balance.
Those with shoulder, arm, or back injuries, high blood pressure, glaucoma, or heart conditions should avoid this one.
How to Do One-Legged Stretched Out Scorpion Pose:
- Begin in Dolphin Pose with the forearms on the floor, shoulder width apart.
- Inhale and kick one leg toward the sky, allowing the other to follow.
- Balance here for a moment.
- Exhale and bend the knees.
- Straighten one leg in front (extended forward over your head) while lowering the other leg so that the thigh is parallel to the floor, knee bent.
- Breathe slowly and steadily while holding the pose for a few breaths.
- Inhale and lift the feet toward the sky.
- Exhale and lower the legs to the floor, back into Dolphin Pose.
- Repeat with the opposite leg straight.
Learn more at Yogapedia.com…
Image source: MrYoga.com
