| The Crow - (Kakasana, sometimes called Bakasana) | | | | upper body. It tones the abdominal organs and opens |
| "Kaka" means crow (a large black bird with a loud cry) | | | | the groins. |
| and "Baka" means crane (a tall water bird with very | | | | The Crow pose increases both physical and mental |
| long legs). The body in this pose resembles that of a | | | | balance, concentration and tranquility. It balances the |
| bird, thus the names, crane or crow. | | | | nervous system, brings lightness to the body and |
| The Crow is a moderate inverted balancing posture, | | | | prepares the mind for meditation. |
| which builds strength in the upper extremities (arms, | | | | Although the Crow pose gives us tremendous benefits |
| forearms, elbow joints, hands, wrists, clavicle, and | | | | for the mind and the body, in some health conditions |
| scapula) and gives you the confidence to begin work | | | | this pose is not safe to be performed. |
| with the Headstand and the Handstand. The Crow | | | | Three important reasons not to do Crow: |
| requires courage (to risk falling on your nose) and hip | | | | 1) Do not practice this pose if you have a carpal tunnel |
| flexibility (to bring the thighs alongside the chest). | | | | syndrome |
| The Crow is one of the yoga poses that actually looks | | | | (It is compression of the median nerve at the wrist, |
| a lot harder than it really is and it requires much more | | | | which may result in numbness, tingling, weakness, or |
| coordination, concentration and awareness than the | | | | muscle atrophy in the hand and fingers. The disease |
| muscular strength in the upper arms. | | | | typically affects the thumb, index, and middle fingers |
| As you hold this asana the chest is immobilized so that | | | | and is often particularly troublesome at night). |
| you can only breathe abdominally. Remember to keep | | | | 2) In any stage of pregnancy do not attempt this pose. |
| your attention on the breath because this asana brings | | | | 3) If you have high blood pressure, avoid this asana. |
| the habit of holding the breath as you focus on the | | | | Caution: Always check with your doctor if you have |
| balancing act. | | | | any doubts or concerns regarding the suitability of this |
| This asana reinforces the arm, shoulder and abdominal | | | | pose for you. |
| muscles, wrists and the upper torso. It stretches and | | | | Issued in the interest of people practicing Hatha Yoga |
| lubricates the joints, tendons and ligaments of the | | | | by Subodh Gupta, Yoga Expert based in London. |