Eight Angle Pose is a challenging arm balance pose that strengthens the upper body and core. Here’s how to do this advanced yoga pose.

Eight Angle Pose (Ashtavakarasana) is an advanced-level yoga pose that challenges arm, shoulder, wrist, and core strength, while building concentration and balance, reducing stress and anxiety, and helping to develop mental focus and connection between your mind and body. Some also say that it helps with menstrual and menopausal symptoms, and improves digestion.

This is a difficult pose, so take your time building up your arm and wrist strength before attempting this pose, and make sure your muscles are warmed up first.

To build strength in preparation for this pose, you will wish to practice plenty of standing poses and forward bends, core-strengthening poses such as Full and Half Boat Pose, and upper body strength-building poses like Downward-Facing Dog, Downward-Facing Tree, a.k.a Handstand, and Four-Limbed Staff Pose. This sequence will also help build core strength in preparation for tackling Eight Angle Pose.

You should not attempt this pose if you have wrist, elbow, or shoulder injuries.

Watch this video to learn how to enter the pose: