Yoga posture - Koundinyasana
Translation: This yoga pose was named after a sage.
This posture is very challenging. The spine has to be flexible and the ability
to laterally rotate it with ease in necessary. The hip abductors and hamstrings
have to be flexible too.
The pose shown requires a lot of arm strength. In this posture the shoulders
are aligned horizontally but an easier version of this posture can be performed
by allowing the elbow to tuck under the ribs. This posture requires less arm
strength but as a result one shoulder dips down.
Align the foot that is back with the palm or elbow as seen opposite. Extend
through the heels, toes or ball points of the toes or do all of these foot
positions while holding the pose. Extending through the heels has been taught
for many years but there are many benefits to the other variations.
Try to stretch through the chin. This will stretch the neck, chest and
even the abdominal muscles.
Breathing is hard and the diaphragm is restricted. Take a few short rapid
breaths while entering then move to a deeper breath.
Tips
The pose looks a lot better when the chin is stretched forward but it
can block the elements of water and air in the back of the neck. Stretch it
forward but after a few breaths allow space behind the neck for the other
elements to flow.
Benefits
This posture increases arm strength and shoulder strength. It also increases
the spines ability to rotate. The wrists are strengthened with the proper
engagement of the wrists muscles and fingers. The leg abductors in the leg
that is extended back are also strengthened.
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