Galavasana or Flying Crow Pose
What is Galavasana or Flying Crow Pose?
The Galavasana or the Flying Crow Pose is a very challenging arm balance yoga pose. This pose requires you to twist your body and balance the weight of your entire body on your hands. You may be able to attempt it only after you have gained proficiency in the basic yoga poses.
This Flying Crow Pose is so named because in the completed stage, when the body is balanced on the hands, with the feet stretched out at the back, it resembles that of a crow.
One of the arm balance poses, it is also sometimes referred to as the Eka Pada Galavasana (‘Eka’ means one and ‘Pada’ means feet).
Step by Step procedure:
Benefits: The benefits of this challenging and difficult pose are many.
Contraindications and precautions: Do not attempt this pose if you are a beginner. Perform it under expert guidance and after consulting your physician, especially if you suffer from any chronic back or leg injury or other medical condition.
The Galavasana or the Flying Crow Pose is a very challenging arm balance yoga pose. This pose requires you to twist your body and balance the weight of your entire body on your hands. You may be able to attempt it only after you have gained proficiency in the basic yoga poses.
This Flying Crow Pose is so named because in the completed stage, when the body is balanced on the hands, with the feet stretched out at the back, it resembles that of a crow.
One of the arm balance poses, it is also sometimes referred to as the Eka Pada Galavasana (‘Eka’ means one and ‘Pada’ means feet).
Step by Step procedure:
- Begin by standing in the Tadasana pose (Palm Pose). Keep your feet apart, as wide as your hips.
- Lift your right foot and place it a little above the left knee.
- Bend forward and bring the palms of your hands to touch the floor. They should be about six inches in front of you, with the fingers pointing in front. Keep them about twelve inches (or your shoulder width) apart.
- Inhale and bend your left leg (on which you are standing). Wedge the toes of the right leg between the chest and upper left arm
- Bend your elbows now, bringing the weight of your body forward. Gradually take the weight of the body on your arms, while straightening out your left leg behind you. Flex the legs, keeping the hips and knees straight. Lower your torso a little to help you maintain the balance.
- Look in front with your head lifted slightly.
- Hold the pose for about 15 to 20 seconds.
- Slowly release the posture. Rest for a few seconds while breathing gently. Now repeat with the other leg.
- Do not push yourself if you cannot complete the pose in the first few attempts. You will be able to complete it after regular practice strengthens your muscles further.
Benefits: The benefits of this challenging and difficult pose are many.
- This posture strengthens the muscles of your arms and neck, as well as the back and spine.
- The leg muscles are also stretched and thus strengthened.
- This pose helps you to improve your sense of balance.
- It helps to open up the hips and also strengthens the hamstrings.
- It is a good way to increase your core strength.
Contraindications and precautions: Do not attempt this pose if you are a beginner. Perform it under expert guidance and after consulting your physician, especially if you suffer from any chronic back or leg injury or other medical condition.