Translation: Arm Balance Scorpion One of the more challenging arm balance yoga positions. It requires
upper body strength and lower back flexibility. In the complete posture
the feet are placed on the head which relieves the spine of pressure. This
requires tremendous back flexibility but this posture can be done as a
great back stretch in your yoga sequences.
The breath sways the body. Short shallow breaths may be more beneficial in
the learning stages of this pose. You can let the legs hang apart or unite
the inner big toes with a little force.
The fingers are really important in maintaining balance. Applying
pressure on them and releasing them in harmony with the breath can give
you a security and balance. This enables you to relax for a long period of
time in the Arm Balance Scorpion.
Yoga Teacher Tips
Try to build up arm strength and back flexibility before performing these
kind of postures in class. If practitioners are practicing in a class
without a wall they will be falling over. Even with a wall the back is
vulnerable because of the force and weight of the legs. This pose should
be done only in advanced classes.
"To say something can only be done in
advanced classes is a little contrary. Here is an example why. The class
is in crane pose (with the feet on the mat for beginners) and you want
to offer more advanced stuff. Offer people crane pose then if they
are strong offer handstand as a choice and then into a handstand backbend.
This way the student chooses their own level. This is all inclusion
instruction and can be applied many times with many different poses
throughout a class."
