Garudasana
(Eagle pose)
Garuda is the mythic "king of the birds" and the vehicle of Vishnu. Although the word is usually translated into English as "eagle," the name literally means "devourer" because Garuda was originally identified with the "all-consuming fire of the sun`s rays."
The asana invokes the majestic bird that it resembles. In Garudasana you need strength, flexibility, and endurance. But this asana also blesses one with unwavering concentration that actually calms the fluctuations of mind. Although these qualities apply to all the yoga poses, its somewhat specific for this eagle like pose.
This asana is a therapeutic blessing for patients of asthma and low back problem.
 Asana technique:
Begin by standing in Tadasana.
Bend your knees slightly, lift your left foot up and, balancing on your right foot, cross your left thigh over the right.
Point your left toes toward the floor, press the foot back, and then hook the top of the foot behind the lower right calf. Balance on the right foot.
Stretch your arms straightforward, parallel to the floor, and spread your scapulas wide across the back of your torso.
Cross the arms in front of your torso so that the right arm is above the left, then bend your elbows. Snug the rights elbow into the crook of the left, and raise the forearms perpendicular to the floor. The backs of your hands should be facing each other.
Press the right hand to the right and the left hand to the left, so that the palms are now facing each other. The thumb of the right hand should pass in front of the little finger of the left.
Now press the palms together (as much as is possible for you), lift your elbows up, and stretch the fingers toward the ceiling.
The anatomical points in this asana are shoulders, ankles, thighs, hips and shoulders.
Stay in this asana for 15 to 30 seconds, then unwind the legs and arms and stand in Tadasana again. Repeat for the same length of time with the arms and legs reversed.
Benefits of Garudasana
Strengthens and stretches the ankles and calves.
Stretches the thighs, hips, shoulders, and upper back.
Improves concentration.
Improves sense of balance.
Precautions
Aspirants with knee injuries should avoid this pose.
|
