This pose is named after Ashtavakra who was born with eight (ashta) bends (vakra) in his body. The legend goes that while in the womb he laughed at his father’s pronunciation of the Vedic texts. The father cursed the son for laughing and the child was born crippled.
Sage Ashtavakra went on to become a great scholar.
The asana named after him is a strong arm balancing pose that takes some time for most of us to master. For yogis who are weaker in the upper body, strength building poses like chaturanga dandasana are great preparatory moves. Those who need more core strength can add navasana, vasisthasana and other core-strengthening poses into their practice. Focus on mula and uddiyana bandhas builds awareness in the core, and can help you access the strength of the bandhas when needed.
Tighter yogis will need to work with hip, back and hamstring openers to help get the legs closer to the shoulder, which helps lock you into the asana.
These deeper strength and balancing poses take some commitment to attain but the payoff isn’t just the asana; it’s really the more subtle benefits that are lasting and can be applied in your daily life: steadiness of thought, increased focus, ability to keep breathing through uncomfortable situations, the simple joy in sticking with a plan and attaining something that may have seemed out of reach at times.
This week we’re including a video to help you find your way into the pose with ease and grace. Tania will show you how.
Remember—lightness and self acceptance when approaching these types of tough poses can make the journey a pleasure instead of a pain.
Breathe in, smile, breathe out and take flight.
As usual, download the pdf of this tip sheet at the bottom of this post.
asana name
- ashta = eight
- vakra = knot, bend, deformity
- asana = seat
benefits
- Improves balance and coordination
- Teaches you how to overcome challenges
- Strengthens wrists, back, core, legs and arms.
contraindications
- Shoulder, arm or wrist injury
preparations and modifications
- Eka hasta bhujasana (elephant trunk pose)
- Open shoulders, hips, back and hamstrings to prepare for the pose.
- Rest bottom hip and leg on bolster.
- Leave seat on mat, torso upright and squeeze legs together and straighten.
attitude
- Joyfulness, as you tie yourself in a knot and defy gravity.
What you can do next
Related
