A seemingly difficult pose, the Eka Pada Sirsasana or the Leg behind the head pose helps yogis develop flexible legs and increase their stamina as well. With regular practice and mastering the easier, externally rotated standing poses that form the basis of this yoga pose, you will find it easier to dive into Eka Pada Sirsasana with ease. Etymologically speaking, the Sanskrit words “Eka” and “Pada” mean one and leg respectively. So, this yoga pose requires yogis to do Sirsasana by making use of either legs; however, they need to rotate the position with the other leg to achieve desired, best results.
Before you actually start attempting this yoga pose, it’s always advisable to know about the steps involved, the associated benefits and the cautions you need to take while doing this pose.
Steps Involved
1. Lie down on your yoga mat, while making sure that your knees are bent and resting on your chest.
2. Now, hold your right thigh with your right arm. Rest your forearm on right cal and slowly, clutch the arch on your foot.
3. Further, while your left leg rests on your chest, grip your right foot opposite your right hand with your left arm. Now, slowly raise your right foot so that it makes a 90-degree angle with the floor. Keep stretching your knee toward the floor.
4. Next, move your right hand to your right calf, while making sure that your left hand holds your foot. Now, try to bring your leg toward your shoulder and tuck it over.
5. Stay in this position for 5-10 seconds and then, release the pose. Finally, repeat the Eka Pada Sirsasana on the other side.
Benefits
Aside from helping yogis develop supple legs and hips and flex their spine for greater flexibility, the Eka Pada Sirsasana helps them enrich the hemoglobin content in their body. Consequently, this pose helps their bodies to resist anemia, eliminate toxins and decrease nervous trembling. Moreover, it allows you focus on your breathing and know how much you can push your body to perform the stretch.
Cautions
1. Don’t drop your head while doing this pose as it could put pressure on spine and consequently, lead to injury to your back muscles.
2. People suffering with backache or other muscles related injuries should avoid doing this yoga pose.
