| The Peacock - (Mayurasana) | | | | muscles of the whole body and develops muscular |
| The Peacock is a very difficult asana and should be | | | | control. |
| practiced with great care and only attempted by those | | | | The Peacock pose has many benefits; however, there |
| who are in an athletic condition. | | | | are some health conditions in which this asana should |
| Mayur means peacock in Sanskrit language. When this | | | | never be performed. |
| asana is exhibited, it resembles a male peacock with a | | | | Three important reasons (out of many) not to do |
| long plume of colorful feathers trailing behind. | | | | Peacock: |
| A successful Peacock pose depends to a great | | | | 1) Pregnant women are strongly advised not to |
| extent on the body type and weight distribution. | | | | practice this asana. |
| Anyone with a big chest and small hips and thighs will | | | | 2) Anyone having hernia should never attempt this |
| not have much difficulty to achieve this pose. But a | | | | pose. |
| person with a small chest and big hips and legs will find | | | | 3) If you have peptic ulcer (a sore painful place inside |
| this pose very difficult to complete and held (that's why | | | | stomach caused by action of pepsin) avoid this |
| most women find this pose very difficult to perform). | | | | posture. |
| The Peacock develops more intra-abdominal pressure | | | | Caution: Always check with your doctor if you have |
| than any other posture, because the abdomen-pelvic | | | | any doubts or concerns regarding the suitability of this |
| unit is supporting the weight of the body through the | | | | pose for you. |
| elbows and arms. Because of the increased pressure | | | | Important Note: The Peacock pose speeds up the |
| on the abdomen the blood is directed to the digestive | | | | circulation and increases the amount of toxins in the |
| organs, invigorating and toning the liver, pancreas, | | | | blood as part of the process of purification. Therefore, |
| stomach, bowels and spleen. This is a wonderful | | | | this pose should never be practiced before any |
| asana for improving digestion. | | | | inverted asana as it may direct excess toxins to the |
| This pose requires very flexible hands and wrists and | | | | brain. This asana is best to be performed at the end |
| great deal of concentration. In the beginning this asana | | | | of the yoga session. |
| should be held for a few seconds and than slowly | | | | Issued in the interest of people practicing Hatha Yoga |
| increasing the duration of the practice. The Peacock | | | | by Subodh Gupta, Yoga Expert based in London. |
| develops mental and physical balance, strengthens the | | | | |