| The One-Legged King Pigeon Posture - (Eka Pada | | | | The Pigeon posture stimulates the glandular system |
| Rajakapotasana) | | | | and the abdominal organs. |
| 'Eka' means one, 'Pada' means foot, 'Raja' means king, | | | | Having practiced this wonderful but very difficult |
| and 'Kapota' means pigeon. In this posture the chest is | | | | One-Legged King Pigeon posture we feel the sense |
| pushed forward like that of a pigeon, hence the name | | | | of achievement. This posture gives the practitioner a |
| given. | | | | lot of benefits; however, there are some health |
| The Pigeon is a superb advanced back bending | | | | conditions in which this posture should not be |
| posture in its complete form, demanding great flexibility | | | | attempted. |
| in the entire length of the spine, as well as in the hips | | | | Three important reasons not to do the Pigeon posture: |
| and shoulders. This intense backbend should only be | | | | 1) In case of sacroiliac injury do not practice this |
| attempted by very experienced practitioners. | | | | posture. |
| A preliminary version of the Pigeon posture can be | | | | (The term sacroiliac refers to the area of a small joint |
| done comfortably by nearly everyone who has | | | | that lies at the junction of the sacrum; a part of the |
| healthy knees. Moving into the preparation of this | | | | spine and the ilium; a part of the pelvis). |
| posture the simple pigeon deeply works the hips and | | | | 2) If you have ankle or knee injury, avoid this posture. |
| helps to release tension in this region of the body. It | | | | 3) Recent or chronic back injury is contraindication for |
| requires steady balance while curving backward. | | | | that posture. |
| The One-Legged King Pigeon posture affects the | | | | Caution: Always check with your doctor if you have |
| whole body as it strengthens, stretches, and tones the | | | | any doubts or concerns regarding the suitability of this |
| spinal column, stimulating the nerves around the spine. | | | | posture for you. It is best to perform this yoga posture |
| It stretches the thighs, the muscles of the groins and | | | | in presence of a qualified yoga teacher. |
| hip joints, abdomen, shoulders, and the neck. It | | | | Issued in the interest of people practicing Hatha Yoga |
| stretches the chest and the rib cage. | | | | by Subodh Gupta, Yoga Expert based in London. |