Yoga is a practice that has been around for thousands of years, and it continues to gain popularity around the world. One of the more advanced poses in yoga is the Eight Angle Pose, which is also known as Astavakrasana. This pose requires a great deal of strength, balance, and flexibility. In this article, we will explore the Eight Angle Pose, its benefits, how to practice it, and some tips for beginners.
What is Eight Angle Pose?
Eight Angle Pose is an arm balance pose that requires the practitioner to twist their body and place their arms and legs in a specific position. This pose is named after the sage Astavakra, who was known for his crooked appearance due to a physical deformity. The Eight Angle Pose is said to represent the overcoming of physical limitations through the practice of yoga.
How to Practice Eight Angle Pose
Before attempting the Eight Angle Pose, it is essential to warm up the body and practice some preparatory poses. Here’s how to practice the Eight Angle Pose:
- Begin by coming into a seated position on your mat with your legs extended in front of you.
- Bend your right knee and bring it in towards your chest, placing your right foot flat on the ground.
- Place your right hand on the ground behind your right hip and twist your torso to the right.
- Bring your left arm to the outside of your right knee and hook your left elbow over your right knee.
- Press your palms into the ground and lift your hips off the ground.
- Place your left foot on top of your right foot and straighten your left arm, pressing it into the ground.
- Lift your right foot off the ground and cross your right ankle over your left ankle.
- Push your weight forward and raise your left foot off the ground.
- Bend your elbows and bring your knees as close to your armpits as possible.
- Straighten your arms and raise your feet off the ground.
- Hold the pose for a few breaths, then release and duplicate on the other side.
Tips for Beginners
If you’re new to yoga or have never tried the Eight Angle Pose before, here are some tips to help you get started:
- Start with preparatory poses: Practice poses such as Boat Pose, Revolved Head-to-Knee Pose, and Side Crow to help prepare your body for the Eight Angle Pose.
- Use props: Place a block under your hips or hands to help lift yourself and find balance in the pose.
- Don’t force it: It’s important not to force yourself into the Eight Angle Pose before your body is ready. Listen to your body and only go as far as feels comfortable.
- Practice regularly: Regular practice is key to developing the strength, balance, and flexibility needed to hold the Eight Angle Pose.
Benefits of Eight Angle Pose
There are several benefits to practising the Eight Angle Pose, including:
- Builds upper body and core strength
One of the primary benefits of the Eight Angle Pose is that it builds upper body and core strength. This pose requires a significant amount of arm and shoulder strength, as well as core stability. Practising the Eight Angle Pose regularly can help to develop these muscles and increase overall strength.
- Increases flexibility
The Eight Angle Pose requires a great deal of flexibility in the hips, hamstrings, and shoulders. As you work towards this pose, you will likely find that your flexibility improves over time. Regular practice can also help to prevent stiffness and reduce the risk of injury.
- Improves balance and stability
The Eight Angle Pose is an arm balance pose, which means that it requires balancing on just two points of contact. This can be challenging, but practising the Eight Angle Pose can help to improve overall balance and stability. In addition, developing balance can help to improve posture and reduce the risk of falls.
- Enhances focus and concentration
Holding the Eight Angle Pose requires a great deal of mental focus and concentration. As you work towards this pose, you will likely find that your ability to concentrate improves over time. This can help to reduce stress and anxiety, as well as improve overall mindfulness.
- Stimulates the digestive system
The Eight Angle Pose is a twisted pose, which means that it can help to stimulate the digestive system. This can help to improve digestion and relieve constipation.
- Increases energy levels
The Eight Angle Pose is an energizing pose that can help to increase energy levels. Practising this pose can help to reduce fatigue and improve overall vitality.
- Boosts confidence
Achieving the Eight Angle Pose can be a challenging and rewarding experience. As you work towards this pose, you will likely find that your confidence and self-esteem improve. This can translate into other areas of your life, helping you to feel more empowered and capable.
- Releases tension and stress
The Eight Angle Pose can help to release tension and stress in the body. This can aid in reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation. In addition, practising yoga can help to reduce the levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the body, leading to overall feelings of calm and well-being.
Contraindications of Eight Angle Pose
While the Eight Angle Pose offers many benefits, it is important to note that it is an advanced yoga posture that requires a great deal of strength, balance, and flexibility. As such, there are some contraindications to consider before attempting this pose.
- Wrist injuries: The Eight Angle Pose places a significant amount of weight on the wrists, which can exacerbate existing wrist injuries. It is important to approach this pose with caution if you have any issues with your wrists.
- Shoulder injuries: The Eight Angle Pose requires a great deal of shoulder strength and flexibility, which can be challenging for those with shoulder injuries. It is important to avoid this pose if you have any shoulder pain or discomfort.
- Pregnancy: This pose is not recommended for pregnant women, as it places a great deal of pressure on the abdomen and may be too strenuous.
- High blood pressure: The Eight Angle Pose is an intense posture that can raise blood pressure. It is important to avoid this pose if you have high blood pressure or any heart conditions.
- Neck injuries: The Eight Angle Pose requires a significant amount of neck strength and flexibility, which can be challenging for those with neck injuries. It is important to avoid this pose if you have any neck pain or discomfort.
- Inexperienced practitioners: This pose is an advanced posture that requires a great deal of strength and balance. It is important to work up to this pose gradually and with the guidance of a qualified yoga instructor.
In general, it is important to listen to your body and approach the Eight Angle Pose with caution. If you experience any pain or discomfort during this pose, it is important to come out of the posture and seek guidance from a qualified yoga instructor.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the Eight Angle Pose, or Astavakrasana, is an advanced yoga posture that offers many benefits for the body and mind. From building upper body and core strength to improving balance and stability, this pose can help to increase overall physical and mental well-being. However, it is important to approach this pose with caution and respect for your body’s limitations. As with all yoga postures, it is essential to practice mindfulness under the guidance of a qualified yoga instructor. With patience and dedication, the Eight Angle Pose can be a rewarding and empowering addition to any yoga practice.
Source :- https://shivayogaashram.com/blog/eight-angle-pose/
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