Garudasana

When Garudasana is performed, the pose of the body appears to be that of an eagle. So this asana is called Garudasana. 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.

Technique of Garudasana :

• Stand erect in Tadasana.
• Keep the right leg straight on the ground and bring the left leg over the right thigh above the right knee.
• The left leg should be entwined around the right leg in the same way as a creeper encircles the trunk of a tree and sticks to it.
• The left thigh should be entwined around the right thigh.
• Interlock the arms in the same manner. The palms should touch each other.
• Arrange the fingers in such way that they look like the beak of an eagle.
• Keep the arms in front of the face. Breathe in the normal way.
• Hold this position for 8-10 seconds.
• 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 :

• This asana strengthens the legs. One can balance the body on one leg.
• Stretches shoulders arms and upper back.
• In this asana, the blood vessels are stretched. So they become strong.
• Develops focus and concentration.
• Improves balance and coordination.
• It removes the swelling of cells of the testicles.
• It cures rheumatism of the arms and the legs.
• It alleviates pain in the thighs and the calf muscles.
• This asana is helpful for restraining the mind.

Contraindications :

• People with knee injuries should avoid this pose.
• Late term pregnancy and obesity.
• Headache.
• Low blood pressure.
• Medical conditions that affect balance.

Beginner's tips :

• If you have trouble with the balance, rest your backside on a wall.
• If you can't hook the left foot around the right calf, put a block under the left foot instead.
• For deeper version, slowly bend forward resting right elbow on right knee.