Poses

Abdomen

• 

  Mayurasana (Peacock Pose)

  In Hindu lore, the peacock is a symbol of immortality and love.

• 

  Halasana (Plow Pose)

  Plow Pose reduces backache and can help you get to sleep.

• 

  Eka Pada Koundiyanasana II (Pose Dedicated to the Sage Koundinya II)

  Tones the belly and spine, strengthens the arms and wrists, and gives your self-confidence a big boost.

• 

  Supta Virasana (Reclining Hero Pose)

  Intensifies the stretch in the thighs and ankles of its upright version.

• 

  Parivrtta Parsvakonasana (Revolved Side Angle Pose)

  One of three revolved variations of standing poses.

• 

  Tolasana (Scale Pose)

  The head, torso, and legs hang from and balance on the hands like the pans of an old-fashioned scale.

• 

  Parsva Bakasana (Side Crane Pose)

  The key to Parsva Bakasana is twisting enough to place the outer edge of one upper arm far around the outside of the opposite thigh.

• 

  Sphinx Pose

  Sphinx Pose is the infant of backbends. It can be practiced with either an active or passive approach.

• 

  Uddiyana Bandha (Upward Abdominal Lock)

  "Even an old person can become young when [Uddiyana Bandha] is done regularly" (Hatha-Yoga-Pradipika 3.58).

• 

  Plank Pose

  Plank Pose is a good precursor to more challenging arm balances.

• 

  Eka Pada Koundiyanasana I (Pose Dedicated to the Sage Koundinya I)

  Eka Pada Koundinyasana I is a twist, but it's one in which the legs go in separate ways.

• 

  Marichyasana I (Pose Dedicated to the Sage Marichi, I)

  Marichi is the Vedic Adam, and the "father" of humanity.

• 

  Parivrtta Janu Sirsasana (Revolved Head-to-Knee Pose)

  There are two interpretations of the Sanskrit Janu Sirsasana, Head-to-Knee and Head-of-the-Knee. The former emphasizes the forward bend. The latter refers to the "head" of the bent knee that you use press away from you to assist the forward bend.

• 

  Parivrtta Trikonasana (Revolved Triangle Pose)

  Usually a counterpose to Trikonasana. Also a preparation for seated forward bends and twists.

• 

  Bhujapidasana (Shoulder-Pressing Pose)

  This arm balance relies more on precise positioning than on strength, making it more accessible for students beginning an arm balancing practice.

• 

  Vasisthasana (Side Plank Pose)

  A powerful arm and wrist strengthener. Might also be called the One-Arm Balance.

• 

  Dandasana (Staff Pose)

  It might look easy, but there's more to Staff Pose than meets the eye.

• 

  Urdhva Dhanurasana (Upward Bow or Wheel Pose)

  Strengthens the arms, legs, abdomen, and spine, and gives a boost of energy.