Astavakrasana (Eight Angle Pose) And Its Benefits

If you love balancing on your hands, here is one great pose to master. And this is not a stand on your hands pose; yes, you are on your hands but it a way that is even more challenging. For challenge lovers, Eight Angle Pose is definitely the pose to learn and master. Astavakrasana, known as the Eight Angle Pose is one of those challenging poses that gives you an opportunity to explore your inner strength.

How To Do Astavakrasana / Eight Angle Pose

• Stand on the floor with your feet slightly apart from each other.
• Bend down and touch your toes as you would do in Standing Forward Bend.
• Now place your palms on the outsides of your feet.
• Bend your knees slightly and slide your right hand through the space in between and place it on the floor by the outer side of your right foot.
• Place your right knee on the back of your right shoulder.
• Stretch your right leg towards right and lock the right ankle with your left ankle.
•  As you stretch your left leg to lock the ankle with the right, tilt your body slightly towards the left so that your left hand will be holding more weight than your right.
• Once your legs are locked, bend your elbows, bring your torso forward and lower it so that it is parallel to the ground.
• Lift your legs upwards while they are still on the right side so that your legs are aligned to your body.
• Release the pose and repeat the same in the other direction.

Duration

Remain in the pose for 30 seconds.

Note

Those with severe shoulder problems should refrain from practicing Astavakrasana. Avoid doing the pose if you have wrist or elbow injuries.

Benefits Of Eight Angle Pose

• Strengthens shoulders, arms and wrists
• Improves balance
• Tones the abdominal muscles and organs
•  Improves blood circulation
•  Stretches your spine
•  Boosts concentration levels