Parsva Bakasana: Side Crow Pose
ADJUSTMENTSÂ Â | Â Â BENEFITSÂ Â |Â Â Â SEQUENCINGÂ Â | Â Â SANSKRITÂ Â | Â Â STEPSÂ Â | Â Â TIPS
Parsva bakasana (PARSH-vah bahk-AHS-anna) is an arm balancing posture requiring a deep twist in the torso. This posture tones the belly and spine. As an arm balance, side crow gives the gift of confidence, balance, and focus.
Philosophy + Origin
Often referred to as the crow pose, bakasana actually translates to crane pose, which may conjure up much more attractive symbolism. Crow pose, or kakasana, is a slightly different pose. In kakasana, the arms are bent; in bakasana, the arms are straight. As the arms straighten into bakasana, the imagery becomes much clearer – the arms long and graceful; the body still and regal. In Asian cultures, especially Japan, the crane represents happiness, eternal youth, good fortune, and longevity. And while the crow is thought to be a harbinger of bad luck or misfortune, in many cultures it symbolizes magic, mystery, intelligence, and destiny.
ADJUSTMENTS/MODIFICATIONS:
- Start with your feet on a block to give your hips a lift.
- Turn your gaze in the direction of your feet to release any fear of falling forward.
- Although you can access this pose more easily by placing your outer hip on your elbow, working to get the hip to hover is a better long-term practice for your shoulders.
STEP-BY-STEP:
- Begin in chair pose with your hands together at heart center. On an exhale, twist to the right by hooking your left elbow as far around your right thigh as possible.
- Slowly lower your hips to your heels, so you are on your tip-toes with the twist.
- Draw your left arm down toward the floor so the armpit is as close as possible to your right thigh. Place the palm of your left hand on the floor just outside your right foot, and your right hand about your shoulder-width distance away.
- Lean your weight into your left arm and slowly shift your weight forward, into your hands.
- Play with lifting your left foot off the ground, then your right. If your feet lift off the ground, keep your feet together and flex your feet (rather than pointing them).
- Hug your belly up and in, and breathe!
- Hold up to 30-seconds or more. When ready, lower the feet down to your mat on an exhalation. Come back to stand at the top of your mat, then repeat on the other side.
PREPARATORY POSES:
- High-to-mid plank | Chaturanga dandasana
- Chair pose | Utkatasana
- Revolved chair pose | Parivrtta utkatasana
SEQUENTIAL POSES:
- Pose of the sage Marchi | Marichyasana I
- Hurdler pose | Eka pada koundinyasana II
- Noose pose | Pasasana
COUNTER POSES:
- Downward-facing dog | Adho mukha svanasana
- Standing forward bend | Uttanasana
- Cow face pose | Gomukhasana
SANSKRIT:
- Parsva = side
- Baka = crane
- Asana = pose
PHYSICAL BENEFITS:
- Strengthens and tones the arms and shoulders
- Engages and strengthens the core.
- Strengthens the hands and wrists
ENERGETIC BENEFITS:
- Focuses mind and energy
- Boosts confidence
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Salamba Bhujangasana: Sphinx Pose
ADJUSTMENTSÂ Â | Â Â BENEFITSÂ Â |Â Â Â SEQUENCINGÂ Â | Â Â SANSKRITÂ Â | Â Â STEPS
Related to the cobra pose, the sphinx pose is a more restorative way to stretch and lengthen the spine. Salamba bhujangasana (SA-lumb-aa BHU-jung-AAHS-uh-nuh) is one of the gentlest backbends in a yoga practice, making it a great entry point for beginners and an effective warm up at the beginning of practice. Sphinx pose is also a great way to reduce stress and stimulate the abdominal organs.
Philosophy + Origin
Cobras and snakes can evoke feelings of fear, discomfort, and disgust. But in Vedic traditions, the cobra symbolizes overcoming and mastering fear. Nataraja, an incarnation of Shiva, is often portrayed with a cobra draped around his neck. The cobra’s venom is said to represent avidya, or ignorance — the veil that prevents us from recognizing universal truths. By mastering fear and learning to see beyond the surface we can come to know freedom, or liberation.
